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ADDRESS 



THE OPENING 



TOWN HALL 



IN BROOKLINE 



ON TUESDAY, 14 OCTOBER, 1845. 



^ 



^ BY JOHN PIERCE, D. D. 

Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Brooliline. 



" Nothing is constant, but change." 



^BOSTON: 

WHITE & POTTER, PRINTERS. 
1846. 

TtlW 




U.S.A. ],' 



Py. 



After tlie delivery of the following address, the meeting was organized by the 
choice ot Daniel Sanderson, Esq. as Chairman, and ]Mr. John A. Bird, as 
iSecretary. On motion of George Griggs, Esq., it was unanimously 

Voted, That the thanks of tliis meeting be presented to the Rev. John 
Pierce, D. D., for the able, learned, and highly interesting address delivered 
this evening, before the citizens of Brookline, at the opening of tbeir new Town 
Hall, and that a copy of this address be requested of him for pablication, and that 
a committee of three be appointed to communicate this vote to Dr. Pierce, and, 
provided he consents to the publication, to superintend the printing thereof 

On motion of Dea. Joshda C. Clark, it was voted, that the Selectmen of 
the Town constitute the committee to carry into effect the foregoing vote. 



Brookline, 14 October, 1845. 
IRev^. Dr. Pierce, 

Dear Sir, Immediately after your Address, at the opening of our Town 
'Hall^ the subscribers were appointed a committee to apply to you for its publica- 
ition. We accordingly ask of you a ^3opy for this purpose. 

DANIEL SANDERSON, 
MARSHAL STEARNS, 
JAMES BARTLETT. 

Bkookline, 8 January, 1846. 

'G'ENTLElfiEN, 

Agreeably to your request, a copy of my Address, on 14 October last, at the 
opening of our Town Hall, is submitted to your disposal. 

The copiousiiess of its appendix, requiring so great care, it is hoped will be 

found generally correct, and also constitute an apology for the tardiness of its 

.appearaoce, 

I am yours, with great respect, 

JOHN PIERCE. 

Capt. Daniel Sanderson, C Selectmen 
Mr. Marshal Stearns, .? of 

Mr. James Bart^ett, ( Brookline. 



ADDRESS. 



Friends and Townsmen, I stand before you, at the request 
of onr Selectmen, to utter such thoughts, as may be obviously 
suggested, at the first public meeting of all ages and denom.- 
inations among us, in this new, commodious, and beautifulJ 
Town Hall.* 

You will not expect from me an oration ; for then a person 
would have been selected with more appropriate qualifications. 

You ask not for a sermon; for I have already delivered 
and published three Historical Discourses relating to this little 
Town.f 

Besides, should my life be spared, and my ministry prolonged, 
for one more short year and a half, it is my favorite purpose 
and hope to prepare a Jubilee Discourse, more immediately re- 
lating to my own people and parochial affairs ; and then to 
gather up the historical fragments, which remain, in relation to 
this Town, that nothing be lost. J 

Wholly foreign is it to my purpose to deal in figures of speech, 
which have peculiar charms, especially for youthful minds. 
As, however, it is universally expected of me, on the present 
occasion, to give a historical sketch of our Town, there is one 
figure, with which I cannot dispense, and which, I fear, will be 
employed to satiety. You have anticipated me to mean egotism. 

This Town has been incorporated § within a few weeks of 
one hundred and forty years ; and I preached my first sermon- 
here, on the second day of this present month. So that, for 

* Appendix i. t Appendix ii. 

\ The aiitlior was ordained the fifth minister oi the First Parish, in Brookline. 
15 March, 1797. 

§ Incorporated, 23 November, O. S., 1705. 



more than one third of this period, and for more than two thirds 
of my life, I have lived, and moved, and had my being here. 
My time has passed so pleasantly, would to God, I could add 
so profitably, that it requires all my knowledge of dates to con- 
vince myself, that the period has been so long. I have had my 
trials ; yet so greatly have these been out-nnmbered and out- 
weighed by mercies, that, if daring a ministry unusually pro- 
longed, any bitter things may have been said, or written against 
me, they have been traced on the sand, which the tide of time 
has wholly obliterated ; so that, with scarcely an abatement, I 
can adopt the language of the Apostle, and say, " I joy, and re- 
joice in you all. " Who is weak, and I am not weak ? Who is 
offended, and I burn not?"' 

Forty-three years ago, this last commencement, I heard a 
graduate of the day, commence his oration, at Cambridge, 
with this short and pithy sentence, " Nothing is constant, but 
change." To inexperienced minds this may appear an unim- 
portant truism. But, in process of time, it will assume a signi- 
ficant meaning. To me it l.as suggested many solemn thoughts. 
It grows in interest with the flight of years. Scarcely a day 
passes without furnishing fresh illustration of its truth. 

As the burden of my address will relate principally to our 
fathers, I will premise my remarks with recommending a few 
standard works, illustrating their efforts, their sufferings, and 
their characters, with the hope, that our youth may learn duly 
to estimate them. 

One of the best authorities is Neal's History of the Puritans. 
But as this work is in five thick octavo volumes, it may be con- 
sidered too voluminous for common use.* 

A good prefatory work is Young's Chronicle of the Pilgrims, 
in one volume, octavo, entitled, "An Authentic History of the 
Pilgrim Fathers, from their origin in the Rev. John Robin- 
son's congregation, in 1G()2, to Jiis death, in 1(325, written by 
themseives." 

The most complete account of the Plymouth settlers, origi- 
nating with the passengers in the May-flower, commonly known 
as the Pilgrims, who stept on Plymouth rock, on 22 Decem- 
ber, 1020, is by Nathaiiie Morton, long a Secretary of Ply- 
mouth Colony, himself one of their number. It is entitled 

* ]( has, however, beeo abridged by tlio Rev. John O. Choules. 



" Morton's Memorial." The last edition, enriched with copious 
notes and illustrations, is by that distinguished son of the Pil- 
grims, Judge John Davis, who still lives to a venerable old age, 
to record the heroic deeds, as well as to illustrate the conspicu- 
ous virtues of the fathers. 

By far the richest work, recording the deeds, trials, suffer- 
ings, virtues, and triumphs of the first settlers of Massachusetts 
proper, is by John Winthrop, Governor of Massachusetts. The 
work commences, 29 March, 1630, with the voyage of himself 
and company to these distant shores, and extends to the period 
of his death, in 1049. This work, not only very full and au- 
thentic in itself, has the felicity of a revision and republication by 
the Hon. James Savage, President of the Massachusetts Histo- 
rical Society ; who, in two volumes, octavo, has enriched it with 
notes, perhaps more copious, than the text, explaining whatever 
was obscure, reconciling apparent contradictions, correcting 
errors, and adding much valuable information, from a store- 
house, replete with historical facts, and with a capacity singu- 
larly fitted for such a work. 

Hutchinson's History of Massachusetts Bay, in two volumes, 
with Minot's Continuation in one volume, are valuable histo- 
rical authorities. 

The late Alden Bradford, Esq., for some years Secretary of 
State, himself a descendant of a passenger in the Mayflower, 
the second Governor of Plymouth Colony, has contributed 
largely to perpetuate the history of his native State by his His- 
tory of Massachusetts, in three volumes, octavo, which he after- 
ward reduced to one volume. 

It is well to make ourselves familiar with the histories of our 
fathers, not only that we may discern their sterling worth ; but 
also that we may verify the declaration of the wise man, " The 
glory of children are their fathers;" may perceive how singu- 
larly God has blessed them and their descendants; and thus re- 
fute the slanders, v/hich ignorance or malice has heaped on their 
memories. 

I have promised, on this occasion, not to give you a sermon. 
I will therefore dismiss the consideration of the religious state 
of the Town with one passing notice, which may strike some 
with surprise. 

Forty-nine years ago, this month, there were seventy-two 



6 

houses ill this Town, and precisely the same number of families^ 
01' this whole number but a single family* professed a dilferent 
faith from the rest; and this worshipped with the Baptist 
church, in Newton. There were but four Baptist professors of 
religion then living in this Town, known to the speaker, all fe- 
males, one of singular piety and benevolence, who, though be- 
longing to the church of her own denomination, in Newton, held 
uninterrupted communion with my church, three years and a 
half, to her dying day. 

This Town, so beautiful for situation, and so abounding in 
pleasant scenery, was nevertheless, for seventy-five years from 
the settlement of Boston, of which, for that portion of time, it 
formed a part, denominated Muddy-river ; a part, Boston Com- 
mons; and sometimes Muddy-river Hamlet, from the turbid 
stream of that name, which forms its Eastern boundary.! 

It is seldom mentioned by cotemporary writers. Governor 
Winthrop, in his invaluable Journal, so minute in notices of 
passing events, cursorily alludes to it but twice, once in 1G32, 
and again in 1638. 

On Sewall's farm has stood, till within a few weeks, from time 
immemorial, an Indian fort, which has long been the resort of 
antiquaries, but which, for its origin, object, and uses, has per- 
plexed the most sagacious. 

In a historical sketch of Brookline, published in the Collec- 
tions of the Massachusetts Historical Society, II vol., N. S., p. 
100, is the following account. 

"On Sewall's farm, in this town, are plainly discernible the 
remains of an Indian fort, containing about the eighth of an 
acre. It is of a square form, surrounded by a ditch, nearly three 
feet deep, and a parapet, about three feet high. It has an open- 
ing, or gateway at each side, one of these is directly toward a 
large swamp, called cedar swamp. Tradition, which has long 
preserved the memorial of this fort, gives no account by what 
tribe of Indians, on what occasion, nor why it was erected." 

I have a theory on the subject, which may, or may not, be 
the true one. Governor Winthrop, in the first volume of his 
Journal, p. 88, the earliest printed account known of Muddy- 
river, under date of 30 August, 1632, mentions, "Notice being 

" Tli<! fiiniily ofllvde. 

t It belonged to yufl'olk county till 17!)3, since which it has formed a pnrt of 
JVorfolk couiitv. 



given of ten Sagamores, and many Indians, assembled at Mud- 
dy-river, the Governor sent Capt. Underhill with twenty mus- 
keteers, to make discoveries ; but, at Roxbury, they heard, that 
they were broke up." 

Now, these very Indians may have erected this fort, which 
they may, on an alarm, thus suddenly have abandoned. 

But whatever may have been the origin of this curious relic, 
to the grief of antiquaries, it is now annrhilated. Not a vestige 
remains. It is to be the site of a spacious and elegant mansion 
for a family* connected with one of our most wealthy landed 
proprietors. One of the workmen, who assisted in the demoli- 
tion of the fort, informed me, a few weeks since, that he dis- 
covered no object of curiosity; and that the cedar posts, which 
had been driven into the earth, even the heart of them, had en- 
tirely wasted away. 

The other notice taken of Muddy-river, in Winthrop's Jour- 
nal, f is the following. 

"In this 5?ear, [1(338], one James Everell, a sober, discreet 
man, and two others, saw a great light, in the night, at Muddy- 
river. When it stood still, it flamed up, and was about three 
yards square. When it ran, it was contracted into the figure of 
a swine. It ran as swift as an arrow towards Charlton, | and so 
up and down, about two or three hours. They were come 
down in their lighter, about a mile ; and, when it was over, they 
found themselves carried quite back against the tide to the 
place they came from. Divers other credible persons saw the 
same light, after, about the same place." 

Upon this singular phenomenon the editor adds, in a note, 
these judicious remarks. 

" This account of an ignis fatnus may easily be believed, on 
testimony less respectable than that, which was adduced. Some 
operation of the devil, or other power beyond the customary 
agents of nature, was probably imagined by the relators and 
hearers of that age ; and the wonder of their being carried a 
mile against the tide became important corroboration of the 
imagination. Perhaps they were wafted, during the two or 
three hours' astonishment, for so moderate a distance, by the 
wind. But, if this suggestion be rejected, we might suppose, 

* For William Amory, Esq., son-in-law of Hon. David Sears. 
t \'ol. I, p 2!>0. t Charlestown. 

2 



10 

that the eddy, flowing always, in our rivers, contrary to the 
tide in the channel, rather than the meteor, carried their lighter 
back." 

Wood, in a book entitled New England's Prospect, ^writes. 
"The inhabitants of Boston, for their enlargement, have taken 
to themselves Farm-honses, in a place called Mnddy-river, two 
miles* from their Town, where is good gronnd, large timber, 
and store of marsh land and meadow. In this place they keep 
their swine, and other cattle, in the summer, whilst the corn is 
on the ground, at Boston; and bring them to Town, in the 
winter.f 

The records of the Secretary's office of this Commonwealth 
abound in provisions for the habitancy and management of this 
section of country, as well as of other surrounding Towns, pe*r- 
taining to Boston. 

So early as 6 August, 1633, by the authority of the Com- 
monwealth, "it is ordered, that there shall be a sulhcient cart- 
bridge made in some convenient place over Muddy-river; and 
another over Stony-river, to be made at the charge of Boston 
and Roxbury." This is probably the origin of the road in our 
Punch-bowl village, and of that, near Wait's Mill, in Roxbury. 

Special privileges were here early granted to the poor. In 
1035, "it is ordered, that the poorer sort of inhabitants, such as 
are members, and likely so to be, and have no cattle, have their 
proportion of allotments of planting ground, laid out at Muddy- 
river, by the afore-named five persons; those, that fall between 
the foot of the hill and the water, to have four acres upon a 
head; and those farther off to have five.'' This privilege was 
to continue three years. 

From the City Clerk's records of Boston, it appears, that fre- 
quent grants of laud were made here, not merely to the poor, 
but to others also, to induce a settlement. 

In 163U, "it was agreed, that five hundred acres be laid out, 
at Muddy-river, for perpetual commonage to the inhabitants 
there, and the Town of Boston, before any other allotments are 
made." But this, like other human ordinances, intended to be 
perpetual, was destined to be of but temporary continuance. 
For, from the same source we learn, that it was gradually ap- 
propriated to successive grantees. 

* Meaning across Chailes-river Bay. 
t Appendix iii. 



11 

The latter part of this year, it appears from records in the 
Secretary's office, that the boundary line between Boston and 
Roxbury was amicably adjusted by a committee from each 
Town; and that, in 1G40, in the same friendly manner, the 
limits between this place and Cambridge, and what is now 
Brighton and Newton, were also settled. 

We can more easily conceive, how our fathers conld conduct 
their municipal concerns, in connexion with the peninsula of 
Boston,, than how they could provide together for public wor- 
ship. The difficulty was, in a degree, obviated by the fact, 
that, for eighty -four years from the incorporation of Boston, 
till they had a meeting house in this place, in 1714, the settlers 
here nnited in worship with the first church, in Roxbury. Thfe 
inhabitants of Muddy-river formed so considerable a portion of 
that Parish, that, in 169S, by mutual agreement, they were en- 
titled to the use of the fifth part of the meeting-house, paying 
that portion toward the charges of the parish.* 

It is strongly suspected, that many of the present generation, 
with all their conveniences for transportation, would esteem it 
a hardship not to be endured, especially from the upper part of 
this Town, to go regularly to worship, as far as Roxbury hill. 
Yet a female ancestor of some of our most respectable inhabit- 
ants has been known to testify, that it was her habit to rise, 
early, in the morning of every Lord's day, adjust her head- 
dress over a pail of water, for want of a glass, and walk five 
miles to Roxbury meeting. 

We find no provision for sciioolingf here, though it is not 
probable, that the children were uneducated, till S Decem- 
ber, 1686, when, in answer to the petition of the inhabitants 
of Muddy-river to the parent Town, "it was ordered, that 
henceforth the said Hamlet be free from Town rates to Boston, 
they raising a school-house, and maintaining an able reading 
and writing master," 

This provision was readily accepted ; for at a full meeting 
of the inhabitants of Muddy-river, the 19 January following, 
they voted acceptance of the late grant ; and voted, that for the 
annual maintenance of the schoolmaster, £12 per annum be 
raised, and that the remainder necessary to support the charges 

* See Roxbury and Brookline records. 
\ Appendix iv. 



12 

of the master, be laid equally upon the scholars' heads, save 
any persons, that are poor, to be abated in part, or in whole.* 

Signed by Thomas Boylston, Town Clerk. He was a phy- 
sician, and father of the celebrated Dr. Zabdiel Boylston. This 
is the first entry in the Town Clerk's records of this Town. 

He was directed to buy a book, and enter all the proceedings 
of the settlement from time to time. But he dying, before the 
above vote was carried into effect, the record was made by his 
successor in office, Josiah Winchester, Clerk, greatgrandfather 
of the famous preacher, Elhanan Winchester. He lived in a 
house, in Warren street, near where Mr. John Warren's house 
now stands. 

^ It appears then, that there are no records of this settlement, 
for the first fifty-six years; though three men,f it seems, were 
regularly chosen, to manage the concerns of the Hamlet. 

According to tradition, the principal school of the Town has 
always been on the hill, where stands the meeting-house of the 
First Church. 

To determine, where the centre of the Town would fall, a 
committee^ was raised, as well to decide, where the first meet- 
ing-house, as where the school-house should be erected. The 
result was, they were placed near together. The site of the 
central school-house has, till of late years, been in the centre of 
population, as well as of territory. It is a remarkable fact, that 
by the census of 1820, our numbers were precisely 900. Of 
these 456 lived above the first parish meeting-house, and 444 
below. 'J'he males and females were both 450. Of the 450 
males. 225 lived above the meeting-house, and 225 below. 

The females were not so equally divided ; for of the 450, 231 
lived above the meeting-house, and 219 below. 

I'he school-house immediately preceding the one now em- 
ployed for our high school, was of brick, a little to the North- 
west of the First Parish meeting-house, on land given for the 
purpose by Mr. William Hyslop, built in 1793.§ 

The present high school house, of stone, first called the Town 
Hall, was opened with appropriate solemnities, on 1 January, 
1825.11 

* Appendix v. 

t Ensign Andrew Gardner, Jolm While Jr., Thomas b'tcdman. 

t Samuel Aspinwali, John Drucc, I'uter Boylston. 

§ .Appendix vi. IT Appendix vii. 



13 

The Brookline classical school-house, of stone, hiiilt by a 
company, who had an act of incorporation from the General 
Court, was first devoted to its intended use, in the summer of 
1S23. After it had been occupied for a few years, it was sold 
by the proprietors, and has since been converted into a dwelling- 
house. The present owner and occupant is Dr. Samuel A. 
Shurtleti'. 

If we consider the provision, which has been made for our 
schools, both male and female, for a few years past, we shall 
find, that few, if any settlements in our land, in proportion to 
numbers and property, rival the inhabitants of this little village 
in providing for the education of our rising race.* 

A handsome Buildingf was completed, in September, 1841, 
on the site of the old Punch-bowl Tavern, peace to its ashes! 
under the denomination of Lyceum Hall. It is owned in shares, 
and fitted for a variety of purposes. Its principal room is fur- 
nished in a style of unusual elegance, at an expense of more 
than one thousand dollars. 

Our fathers enjoyed the sweets of liberty, but a little time, by 
exemption from taxes to Boston, and by permission to manage 
their local concerns in their own way, before they aspired to 
complete independence, as a Town. 

Accordingly, on 11 March, 1700 — 1, they sent a humble pe- 
tition to the parent Town, to be a district, or hamlet, separate 
from the Town, assigning, among other reasons, the remote- 
ness of their situation.* 

But Boston, so far from listening favorably to their request, 
rebuked them sharply for their presumption, reproached them 
for their ingratitude for past favors; and " voted, that though 
they had not, for some years, been rated in the Town rate ; yet, 
for the time to come, the Selectmen should rate them in the 
Town tax, as the other inhabitants, and as they used to be."J 
Such language, backed by such measures, were ill adapted 
to reconcile the petitioners to this treatment of their request. 

They accordingly resolved to apply to higher powers; and, 
on the 17 June, 1704, petitioned the General Court, that 
they might be allowed to be a separate village."t 

Boston continued strenuously to oppose the measure, till, m 

* Appendix vni. t Sixty-seven feet by forty. 

t See records in the Secretary's office, Boston. 



14 

the autumn of 1705, a petition* was sent from this placS; signed 
by thirty-two inhabitants, .Samuel Sewall, Jr. Esq. being the 
writer and first signer, wliich met more favor ; for the prayer 
of the petition was granted ; and the signature of the Governor, 
Joseph Dudley, constituting it a Town, by the name of Brook- 
line, was given, on 13 November, O. S., IZUo.f 

It might be reasonably supposed, that this Act, so attested, 
would forever liavc settled the orthography of the town ; espe- 
cially as the tradition has uniformly been, that it was called 
Brookline, not Brooklyn, from any other Town ; but because 
its North-eastern boundary is Smelt-brook, which falls into 
Charles-river, and its South-eastern boundary was then a small 
brook or creek, falling into Muddy-river. 

Still it has, till within a few years past, been variously spelt 
by those, who might have known better. Judge Samuel Sew- 
all, a former inhabitant, and large landholder here, called it 
Brooklin, in his private journal, several years, before its incor- 
poration. 

The R.ev. James Allen, first minister of this Town, though 
distinguished in his day, has spelt the name of the Town, three 
different ways, in his seven printed discourses extant, namely, 
Brooklin, Brooklyn, Brookline, and a fourth way in the Church 
records, Brooklynn. 

Nor can this seem strange, as in his printed discourses, he 
has spelt his own name, two different ways, Allin, Allen. 

My revered predecessor, Jackson, highly celebrated, as he 
was for accuracy, published a short account of this Town, in 
the Boston Magazine, for June, 17S8, in which he calls the 
Town Brooklyn. J 

It is believed, (hat, for several years past, this Town has not 
been disgraced by a false orthography by any among us, Avho 
have enjoyed the advantage of a common school education. 

Our boundary lines have, for the most part, remained the 
same, as they were originally and harmoniously settled by 
committees from this settlement and contiguous Towns, in 
1G30, and 1610, except our Eastern boundaries, which separate 
us from Boston and Iloxbury, which have been repeatedly 
vnriod. 

* Appcmlix IX. I Appendix x. } Appendix xi. 



15 

The Eastern boundary between Brookline and Boston, on what 
is now called the Western Avenue,* was, till lately. Muddy-river 
to where it fell into Charles river bay, which passed near by 
Charles street in Boston. 

But on the rapid settlement of lands near the Mills, the in- 
habitants of Brookline were not without apprehension, that the 
centre of population might, in process of time, fall near the Mills, 
and require the inhabitants to transact their town business 
there. 

Accordingly on ascertaining, that Boston was as ready to ac- 
cept a part of their territory, as they were to surrender it, for 
the above, and other reasons, on 1 November, 1824. they unani- 
mously voted to give a committee instructions to establish the 
bounds of Boston and Brookline at the centre of the principal 
western channel, which empties into Muddy-river from Charles 
river.' "t 

It is a well ascertained fact, that the line se}»arating us from 
Roxbury was never, till lately, the principal stream of Muddy- 
river, where we cross it, on Washington street, but a small brook, 
or creek, falling into the river, near the Punch-bowl village. 

Now as the principal stream of Muddy-river seemed to be the 
most natural boundary, as it has been decided by a late act of 
our Legislature, it was, for many years, a vexed question, on 
what principles the old boundary was settled. 

In ray earliest acquaintance with this Town, it was a common 
tradition, among even the best informed, that, as Brookline was 
incorporated, while Governor Dudley, a native of Roxbury, was 
in the chair, he exerted an undue influence in settling the bound- 
ary, so as to favor the place of his nativity. 

But on a careful examination of old DeedsJ of farms, which 
formerly belonged to Roxbury, but now to Brookline, it was as- 
certained, that these farms were a part of Roxbury by a bound- 
ary line, established, even before Governor Dudley Avas born. 

After many trials by the inhabitants of what has been uni- 
versally denominated the Punch-bowl village, the Eastern bound- 
ary, in that direction, is now the principal stream of Muddy- 
river by an act of our Legislature, signed by Governor Briggs, 
on 24 February, lS44.j| 

* Appendix XII. t Appendix siii. 

tin tiie Ward and Wyman families, jj Appendix siv. 



16 

As the boundary between Brookline and Roxbiiry is now con- 
stituted, it is somewhat amusing, that, on entering the Brookline 
Avenue, toward the Main Dam, within a few rods, we pass al- 
ternately into Roxbury and Brookline, eight times. 

The Indian name of this Town is not with certainty known. 
It might have constituted a part of Shawmut, now Boston. But 
as the aboriginals were never precise about boundary lines, it 
might have fallen under the general denomination of Nonantum, 
by which name they called the lands, higher up the river, both 
in Watertown and Newton. 

The probability of this supposition is strengthened by the fact, 
that there is no distinct Indian name for Cambridge, at first called 
by the English settlers Newtown. 

When our Northern boundary is said to be Newtown, you 
must always understand, what has long since been called Cam- 
bridge ; for when the Rev. John Harvard, of Charlestown, made 
his donation to Newtown, for a College, in 1638, it was called 
Cambridge,* in memory of the place, where many of our fath- 
ers received their education. 

The first Representative to the General Court from this Town 
was Capt. John Winchester, 1709, who lived in the house lately 
pulled down by Deacon Thomas Griggs. Several of his lineal 
descendants are still among us. 

After obtaining the incorporation of the Town, our fathers 
made it their first object to erect a liouse of worship. After 
several ineffectual attempts, their first house was raised, on 10 
November, 1714. 

It iUustrates the spirit of the times, that though the inhabit- 
ants harmoniously agreed, where their house of worship should 
stand ; yet a committee of the General Court came here to sanc- 
tion their choice. Such a step would seem strange in our day. 

At the raising of this house, an event occurred, which at- 
tracted the notice of successive generations. Two of the young 
men, after completing their work, to show their agility, are said 
to have played leap-frog on the ridge-pole ; who lived, one to 
be 81. t and the other SSJ years of age. Several elderly people 

* Sec Holmes's History of Cambridge in Mom. of Mass. His. See. Vol vii 
p. 10. 

I Dracon Samiinl Clark died,? May, )7GG, aged 81. 
{Mr. Isaac Gardner died, 11 JMarcl)', I7G7, aged b^i. 



17 

have told me, that each of tliese men, toward the close of life, 
used to come to public worship, supported by two staves. 

One of these men was tiie first, who Avas published in the 
new Meeting-House; and his dwelling, in the rear of where 
Mr. Caleb Clark's house now stands, was, for a season, a gar- 
rison house against the incursions of the savages. 

The next concern of our fathers, after providing a place of 
pubHc worship for the living, was to appropriate a Cemetery for 
the dead. In the early settlement of this village, their inter- 
ments were probably near where they worshipped, in the burial 
place of the first church, in Roxbury. 

On 25 March, 1706, "it was voted,* that there should be a 
burying-place, on the South side of the hill, on Mr. Cotton's 
farm, between the two roads, if it can be obtained." 

By "Mr. Cotton's farm" is here meant the estate, which, not long 
since,belonged to Capt. Samuel Croft, now to BIr. John Kenrick. 
This estate, as well as that formerly belonging to Deacon Ebene- 
zer Davis, now owned by Mr. Moses Andem, was inherited by 
Rowland and Thomas, heirs of the Rev. John Cotton, second 
minister of the first church, in Boston, to whom the whole of 
what afterward constituted these two farms was assigned, at the 
early settlement of Muddy-river. These farms joined in what 
is now called Cypress street, but, for more than 120 years, the 
New Lane. 

The expression, " between the two roads," means between 
Sherburne road, now Walnut street, and the road to Brighton, 
now Washington street. 

By the " South side of the hill," in Mr. Cotton's farm is doubt- 
less meant the rise of land, west of Cypress street, nearest to 
Washington street. 

The date of these transactions is thirteen years, before the 
New lane, now Cypress street, was laid out. 

This was granted, on 11 May, 1719, and "it was orderedf, 
that it shall run from Watertown road, between the farms of 
Mr. Rowland Cotton and Mr. Thomas Cotton, all the way in 
said Thomas Cotton's land, and so into the land belonging to 
the heirs of Caleb Gardner, into Sherburne road, now Walnut 
street, for the convenience of the people, in the North part of the 
Town ill gonig to meeting" 

* See Town Records. t Town Records. 



18 

Mr. Caleb Gardner's house stood between the Parsonage of the 
First Parish and Mr. Jesse Bird's house; and it was from him, 
West of his own house, that the kind was obtained to erect the 
first meeting- house, in what is now the garden of the Parsonage. 

Faihng to obtain a lot for a burial place from the heirs of the 
Rev. John Cotton,* an agreement was made, on 30 April, 1717, 
with Mr. Samuel Clark, Jr., for the purchase of half an acre. 

This is the origin of our present Cemetery, where the remains 
of so many of our dear friends rest in hope. 

It is within the memory of most present, that an addition was 
made, in the Spring of 1840, by purchase from a descendant of 
the first owner; and the \vhole ground is now in a state of im- 
provement worthy our highest ambition. 

As early, as 1 March, 1714, money was raised for keeping 
school, in three parts of this Town.f 

On 5 March, 1759, Samuel White, Esq. many of whose) de- 
scendants are living among us, gave by deed, about a year be- 
fore his death, twenty acres of woodland, situated in Needham, 
for the benefit of the ministry in this Town. J 

On 24 May, 1762, the Town received three hundred and 
eight half Johannes, valued at £739, 4s, lawful money, the gift 
of Edward Devotion, for the use of schools. || 

On the approach of hostilities with our mother country, our 
fathers took a very feeling and active part. Frequent were their 
meetings, spirited their resolves, generous their contributions, in 
aid of the common cause.<§. 

On 19 April, 1775, the militia of this Town hastened toward 
Lexington to repel the assaults of British invaders; and Isaac 
Gardner, Esq. a leading man in the Town, fell a sacrifice to his 
zeal in his country's cause.H 

On the subsequent 17 June, his kinsman Col. Thomas Gard- 
ner, a man of equal eminence, in what is now Brighton, received 
his death wound, in the Battle of Bunker Hill. 

* As appears by a letter in the writer'^ possession from Mr. John Cotton, of 
Hampton, N. II. 

t Town Records. { Appendix xv. 

II Appendix XVI. § Appendix xvii 

II He was a gradnate of Harvard University, in 1747, son of Isaac Gartlner, 
grandson of Deacon Thomas Gardner, first Deacon of the first Church, in Brook- 
line. 



19 

What remains of the fortifications at Sewall's point is a me- 
morial of our fathers' patriotism, in defence of their country. 
It cannot but rejoice the heart of every christian patriot, that 
these tokens of war arc yielding to the milder arts of peace* 

The propriety of perpetuating the memory of the battle on 
Bunker's Hill by an expensive monument, erected for that sole 
object, has, not without reason, been called in question by some 
scrupulous friends of peace ; yet the inhabitants of Brookline 
contributed |350.75 towards its completion , $194 by persons liv- 
ing above the first parish Meeting House, and $156 75 by those 
below. 

Not only were great sufferings endured, and heavy expenses 
incurred by our fathers, in the controversy with our mother 
country ; but, in our earlier history, the inhabitants here shared 
in the dangers occasioned by the aboriginals of our land. 

In King Philip's war, which originated, in 1675, a bloody ac- 
tion was fought with the Indians, so near as Sudbury, in which 
Lieutenant Robert Sharp, of this Town, fell a victim. His 
death, and the battle, which occasioned it, are commemo- 
rated on a Monument erected in the burial ground of said 

Town.f 

In process of time, his son Robert also died, in an expedition 
against the Indians, in Canada. 

Allusion to these ancient names and events naturally suggests 
other notices relating to the early history of this Town. 

One of the earliest and largest land-holders here was John 
Hull, who well deserves a passing notice. J 

When a poor boy, he attracted the notice of his pastor, the 
Rev. John Wilson, first minister of the first church of Boston, by 
his extraordiary filial attention to an old and helpless mother. 
The Rev. Mr- Wilson, at that early period, predicted his future 
prosperity ; which prediction was observably accomplished. 

For, on arriving at manhood, he arose, by degrees, to great dis 
tinction. He married a daughter of Edmund Quincy, Esq. the 
first of this distinguished family, in this country, by the name 
of Judith, in memory of whom, point Judith, on the passage 

* Appendix XVIII. t Appendix xix. 

t According to the testimony of the late John Goddard, Esq. he lived East of 
the farm, lately owned by Col. Thomas Aspinwall, deceased. 



20 

from Providence to New-York, is said to have been named. 
The device of an Indian with his bow and arrow, on the Mas- 
sachusetts coat of arms, is ascribed to him. lie is also said to 
have been instrumental in coining the silver shillings, with the 
representation of a pine tree, on one side. It is a common tra- 
dition, that, on the marriage of his only daughter to Samuel, 
afterwards Chief Justice Sewall, he gave, for a portion, her 
weight in these silver shillings.* 

Judge Samuel Sewall, son-in-law of John Hull, Esq. inherited 
a large landed estate here, and acted a very important part in 
the early history of this settlement. 

He also attained to a bad eminence in the State, as one of the 
Justicesof the Supreme Court, that condemned the witches to be 
executed. 

It is however due to his memory, and it redounds greatly to 
his honor, to relate, tliat, on gaining new light on the subject, 
he bitterly repented of his agency in the witchcraft delusion, 
and voluntarily made a very humble confession of his error, in 
tjie old South' Church, Boston. f 

A large portion of the lower part of the Town has been long 
known, as the Sewall farm. 

A house was raised for Samuel Sewall, Jr. son of the Judge, 
IS June, 1703, since demolished, near, if not on the very site 
of the house now occupied by Captains Charles and Marshal 
Stearns. This may have been the time, when those noble elms, 
near the house, were planted, one of which, a few years since, 
was greatly injured by a stroke of lightning. 

An ancient ElmJ with the house, to which it is attached, be- 
longing to the Aspin wall estate, is among the greatest curiosities, 
which this town can furnish. 

F. in. 
At five feet from the ground it measures _ _ _ 10.8. 
At three do. ------- - 20. 0. 

Close by the surface, - 2G. 0. 

The age of the venerable house, which it overshadows, may 
be estimated from the fact, that the late Dr. William Aspinwall, 
if living, would have been one hundred and two years of age, 

* Appendix, xx. 
t Ap|)en(1ix xxi. 
t Appendix xxii. 



Jtsgimvnll* wis 






•'. w^E$ t^Emmis in; Ms otfeF^r,. msii (mi.5r Dan (iamuHiiiit 



nfeis (fiatinsnTrrr- -^ oiimi. w&i' wtbs ftmnB mi t&s 

-.-.-.■ ^ ^ ----- ' - ' - ■' i-^ 

lit-ra: TStnfesimiL. Bte. Kaig^^stiam was djertjgctl ff dl/iw 






u£ 



—r TiKET still fife aeeoD m <ror €gnigttfliF.4t 

liOit.. . ... _^diietraf :.-■: ..:-:: - -■- * 

es. ~ i.re oni oasiii'. ' " -^ 

Se HGW StEEInfe- 2Eni£. SffTTTrRpfePP(£,. 

as 2& stanHEOia- EimsCE^nrmii m (nEmaesF in t&ff ma.: ' *- 

ttjHHEs :----■ --^ — - -mff M liiLL - - -. - 'ar 

t r diET^ tiite li^ (It Cfie OEi^MHac fi3ann3ff GSdi(ri£'m 



32 

early life. Their first ancestor in this country intermarried in 
the Sharp family ; and, before his removal to Framingham, lived 
on the estate now owned and beautified by Capt. Isaac Cook. 
Accordingly there are blood relations of the Buckminster family 
now living in this Town. 

Jeremiah Gridlcy, Esq. of H, U. 1725, a native of Roxbury, 
lived and died, in this town, in a house owned by Thomas W. 
Sumner, Esq. The Records of this Town testify, that he often 
sustained offices of trust and and importance in the Town's 
afl'airs, and that he frequently represented them in the General 
Court. He was, according to the testimony of the late Preident 
Adams, among the most distinguished in his profession.* 

The same house was also rendered famous, as the residence of 
Henry Hulton.f Esq. one of the king's Commissioners, at a 
time, when the office was peculiarly obnoxious to the people. 
An inhabitant has acknowledged, that, in youth, he joined with 
other thoughtless boys in breaking his windows, as a tory. 

Among the past inhabitants of this Town, who should be men- 
tioned with distinction and respect, is the late Dr. William As- 
pinwall, ]\r. D. of H. U. 1T64, who spent a long life, as a dis- 
tinguished physician -of this Town and vicinity, who was suc- 
cessively Representative, Senator, and Counsellor, under the 
Government of this Commonwealth ; who watched over the in- 
terests of his native village with vigilance and fidelity; and 
who, in the times, that tried men's souls, amid the political con- 
tests, which raged in our land, was greatly instrumental in pre- 
serving this people from those disgraceful abuses, which prevailed 
in too many other places. In treating the small pox, that dan- 
gerous and destructive malady, few, if any cotemporaries, had 
more extensive practice, or were more successful. 

Among our departed townsmen, whose names will be holden 
in grateful remembrance, is Mr. John Goddard, who lived to the 
advanced age of eighty-six, serving God, his country, and his 
generation, by the will of God. Most offices of trust, in the 
gift of the people, he sustained with skill and fidelity. Though 
engaged in no martial exploits ; yet he directed those works 
of defence, constructed on what was then denominated Dor- 
chester heights, now South Boston, which perhaps contributed 

"Appendix xxt. f Appendix xxvi. 



23 

more than any other cause, to induce the enemy to raise the 
siege of our neighboring Capital, and take a sudden departure 
from our coast. 

Did time permit, others of our past inhabitants might be 
enumerated, who rendered essential service to our Town and 
country. 

Not only have natives of our Town done worthily in their day 
and generation ; but distinguished men from other places have 
been attracted by our beautiful village to seek a residence here. 
Among these, high in office in the government of the country, 
were the Hon. Stephen Higginson,* member of the Legislature, 
under the old confederation ; the Hon. George Cabot,f a Sena- 
tor of the United States, under the administration of Washing- 
ton ; and the Hon, Jonathan Mason, f also Senator to Congress, 
whose place of residence has been succeeded by a mansion, 
erected by General Theodore Lyman, which, for taste and ele- 
gance, may vie with the palaces of Europe. 

Till nearly the close of the last century, there was scarcely a 
mechanic in the Town. Its male inhabitants, with hardly an 
exception, were cultivators of the soil, verifying the poet's sen- 
timent, 

" But a bold peasantry, their country's pride, 
When once destroyed, can never be supplied." 

This produced a remarkable equality in the condition and cir- 
cumstances of this people. 

But of late years, the inequalities, so common in other Towns 
and cities, are rapidly taking place among us.|| 

Till 1793, this Town belonged to Suffolk County, since which 
time, it has constituted a part of Norfolk County.^ 

By the survey of Mr. Jonathan Kingsbury, of Needham, 
Brookline contained 4416 acres. By an alteration of its limits, 
as well perhaps as from other considerations, its measurement, 
according to the survey of Elijah F. Woodward, Esq., of New- 
ton, in 1844, was 4695 acres, 279 more, than by the former 
survey. 

* Hon. Stephen Higginson, died, 22 November, 1828, aged 8-5. 
t Hon. George Cabot, died, IS April, 1823, aged 71. 
t Hon Jonathan Mason, died, 2 November, 1831, aged 7.5. 
11 Appendix xxvii. § Appendi.\ xxvin. 



By the first known Census, Brookline contained in 1790, 518 
inhabitants, 

In 1800, 605 Inliabitants. 

1810, 784 
J 820, 900 '' 

1830, 1040 " 

1840, 1265=*^ " 

By a Census, taken by order of the Selectmen of Brookline, 
in October 1844, the population was 1682.t 

Eight dwelling-houses are known to have been consumed by 
fire, within the limits of this Town.J 

We have account of but little damage, occasioned by light- 
ning here. The only building, thus destroyed, known to the 
present generation, was a barn belonging to the late Hon. Jon- 
than Mason, burnt in 1793. 

There have been 39 graduates || at different Universities from 
this Town, namely, 32 at Harvard University; 6 at Brown 
University, Providence, R. I. and one at Princeton, N. J. Of the 
whole 11 have been ordained ministers of the gospel. 

There have been, besides, two ordained ministers of the Bap- 
tist denomination, and one Congregationalist, who have not re- 
ceived a Collegiate education. § 

In 1740, there were 61 dwelling-houses, in the Town, of 
which sixteen still remain ; but in not one of these is there liv- 
ing a lineal descendant of an owner at that time.1[ 

But so gradual was the increase of houses, from that period, 
that there were but 72, in 1796, 56 years from the first mentioned 
date ; of wiiich 38 were above the first house of worship, and 34 
below. 

By tlic last enumeration, concluded, 7 October, 1844, there 
were 8*^ dwelling-houses and 100 families above the first house 
of worship; and 124 dwelling-houses and 156 families below; 
in the whole, 212 dwelling-houses, and 256 families. Of these 
3S families only consist of natives of the Town; 25 above the 
First l\arish Meeting-house, and 13 below. 

* Tliis li llio number, as certified to the writer bv John Pierce Jones, Esq. of 
Mt'<Jw;iy, who took the census, thnt yenr, of this, and other Towns, in the County, 
t -Ajiiirnilix XXIX. ' J .\i)[)fii(]ix XXX. 

I! Apiicndix XXXI. § Appendix xxxii. 

% Aplirliili.v XXXIII. 



25 

On my first coming into this Town, 49 years ago,* in tlic 72 
dwelling housesf there were precisely 72 families, and 65 vo- 
ters. Of the 72 dwelling-houses 19 have been demolished, 
leaving 53 standing. In the whole there are living in them but 
14 of the family connexions of those then inhabiting them. Of 
the heads of families, at that time, 3 men only, and 5 women 
are now living in the Town ; but one man only and three wo- 
men only, in the same house, in which they then lived. Of the 
65 voters, but 5 survive, of whom 4 remain in this Town. 
There are but 3 owners of real estate, who were free-holders 
then ; only one lives in the same house, as then ; and alas! but 
a single couple survives in this place, whom I then found in the 
married state. J 

It is a remarkable fact, that, within the last 53 years, but 6 
couples have been married, in this Town, of whom both parties 
were natives of the Town. 

The smallest number of votes, I have known given in one 
year, was 2S, in 1798 ; the largest, 244, in 1844. 

The deaths in this Town, for the last 49 years, have been 546, 
averaging 11 1-7 a year. The smallest number, in one year, 
was 2, in 1797. There have been 23|| deaths here, since the 
commencement of this year, making already 3 more, than in 
any year on record. With this exception the largest number 
was 20, in 1775, when the dysentery and small pox prevailed in 
this region. 

Of the 546 deaths, 188, nearly a tliird, were under 10 years of 
age ; 34 from 10 to 20 ; 72 from 20 to 30 ; 48 from 30 to 40 ; 56 
from 40 to 50 ; 33 from 50 to 60 ; 44 from 60 to 70 : 44 from 70 
to SO ; 23 from 80 to 90 : 4 between 90 and 100. Nearly one 
eighth part over 70. 

The oldest person, who has died, in this Town, was' Sarah 
■\Vhite. widow of Benjamin White. She was daughter of Sam- 
uel Aspinwall, born, in the old Aspinwall house, in 1707, and 
died in the house, in which she passed her married life, num- 
bered XXXI in the Appendix, on 11 September, 1801, aged 94- 

There is. however, one now living among us of a more ad- 
vanced age; the widow Reuel Mace, a few years since, from 

* I preached my first sermon lierej on 2 October, 1796. 

t Appendix XXXIV. 

t Since this Address, Mrs. Lucy, wife of Deacon John Robinson, departed this 
life, on 7 November, aged 74, leaving not a single couple, wliom I found Jn the 
married state. 

II The whole number to the end of the year, 27. 

4 



Newburyport, born, 13 November, O. S. 1750, just forty-five 
years to a day from the date of the incorporation of this Town. 

This Town partook of the grief, which was universal, through- 
out our land, on the sudden demise of our great and good Wash- 
ington. By previous arrangement, on the anniversary of his 
birth soon succeeding, all business was suspended, there was a 
general convocation of the inhabitants of all ages. A proces- 
sion was formed, at the brick School, and marched, in order to 
the Meeting-house, preceded by the youth, where solemn airs of 
sacred music were sung ; prayers were offered by the Pastor ; 
an Address delivered, which, by vote of the Town, was pub- 
lished with the farewell advice of Washington to his country- 
men annexed.* 

On my first coming to this place, I found but five families of 
new comers, not one of whom lived in a house of his own erec- 
tion. All occupied houses, which had been previously built, and 
with but little alteration. 

At about the commencement f of the present century, the 
erection of new houses began in earnest, till they have increased 
in elegance, and with a rapidity, which renders it hardly doubt- 
ful, that, before many years, the laboriously cultivated farms of 
the first settles will generally fall into the possession of the newly 
fortunate ; and the remnants of the farmers will be induced to 
retire to more distant settlements, either to seek their fortunes in 
other pursuits, or where they may find less costly farms, and a 
wider field for their industry. 

One of the first purchases here by gentlemen of fortune from 
other places was by the Hon. Stephen lligginson, native of Sa- 
lem, then a resident in Boston. Near the close of the last cen- 
tury, he purchased of Ebenezer Richards a sheep pasture, con- 
taining about thirteen acres, for one hundred and twenty dollars, 
an acre. I 

This sounds small compared with purchases lately made at 
one thousand dollars an acrc.|| The houses are likewise in- 
creasing in costliness, taste, and elegance, at least in as great 
proportion, as the building spots are rising in value. 

It is but the other day, that a cherry orchard, in tliisimmedi- 

" Appendix, xxxv. t Appendix xxxvi. 

t Appendix xxxvii. 

II A few acres have lately been sold at five cents a foot. 



27 

ate neighborhood, with no building, but a small old barn, was 
laid out with great taste, by the late Mayor of Boston, a native 
of the spot; and twelve dwelling-houses of elegant and varied 
architecture have already, as by magic, risen upon it ; while 
another is in progress of erection. 

On Harvard street. Harvard place, and Harvard avenue ; on 
Vernon place, and Vernon avenue ; on Avon street, and I know 
not, on what other streets of high sounding names, the changes 
are nearly as great, and as rapid. 

What think ye, good old Esq. Sharp* would say, could he re- 
visit his old farm, which, under his fostering care, used to produce 
some of the choicest fruits of the season ; and behold, on one 
side, an elegant church, and see, wherever he turned his view, 
beautiful mansions, rising in quick succession ? It is absolutely 
beyond the powers of the imagination to conceive, what would 
be his emotions. 

For local scenery, for rich cultivation of fields and gardens 
and green-house productions,! for continually increasing costli- 
ness and taste, in its private and public buildings, the praises of 
this little Town resound far and wide. The learned and faith- 
ful editor of Winthrop's Journal, pronounces " Brookline to be 
the most beautiful village in New- England." This is but an 
echo of the sentiments generally expressed by persons of taste 
and observation. 

A modern poetj has thus sung the praises of our beautiful 
Town. 

"I have revisited thy sylvan scenes, 

Brookline ! in this the summer of my day. 

Again have revelled in thy lovely vales, 

And feasted vision on thy glorious hills ; 

As once I revelled, feasted, in the spring 

Of careless, happy boyhood. And I've bowed 

Again within thy temple, and have heard, 

As though time's footfall had, these years, been hushed, 

Thy patriarch pastor's lips, like dew, distil 

Gentle instruction. And the same is he, 

As to young love and reverence he was, 

My cheerful friend, benevolent, and good. 

* See Appendix xxxiii. Article vi. 

t In all these respects, the improvements introduced by Hon. Thomas H. Per- 
kins are in a style of princely magnificence ; and are the admiration of all be- 
holders. 

; Mr. William B. Tappan, in the Poet's Tribute, published in 1840, p. 259. 



28 

The same thy hills and dells, those skies the same 
Of rich October ; such as only bend 
Over New-England ; and the same grey walls,* 
Reared in IVew-England's infancy, are those, 
Wliicii charmed imagination. Thou art fair, 
And beautiful as ever. Fancy deems 
Thy sweet retreat excused the common doom 
Caused by the fall ; as if the Architect 
Were willing, by such specimen, to siiow 
What Eden, in its primal beauty, was." 

A singular sentiment was expressed by a seanfian's preacher, 
a short time since, when, on a hot siunmer's day, after regaUng 
himself in a beautiful grove, behind the first church, in the course 
of his services, in the house of worship, he suddenly exclaimed, 
"I know not, my friends, how you can help being christians; 
for you already live in paradise." 

You will permit me, my friends, to express the honest, the 
joyful conviction, that the most prevalent, the most available 
cause of your present, and your growing prosperity, is, under 
God, the almost entire, and it is hoped, that there will soon be, 
the total disuse, of ardent spirits among you. 

The first impulse given to this reformation was by the forma- 
tion of the " Massachusetts Society lor the suppression of in- 
temperance," in Boston, the first State Society on the globe, or- 
ganized, 5 February, 1813, nearly 33 years ago. This was 
but the twilight of a brighter day. Its first efforts were only 
against " the too free use of ardent spirits." Its promoters, rid- 
culed as visionary fanatics, hardly dared to hope, that consid- 
erable numbers could be induced to abandon their use. 

From these timid and feeble beginnings, brought forward by 
a few isolated individuals, what rapid and extensive changes 
have since taken place ? Most towns, in the Commonwealth, 
liave one or more organized Societies for the promotion of tem- 
perance. 

The Brookline Temperance Society was formed, on 18 
March. 1S3L after an Address in the First Parish Meeting-house 
by the late Rev. Hosea Hildreth, of Gloucester, a pioneer in this 
glorious reformation. 

Hul the most wonderful, the most unaccountable, yet tlte most 

* The Af-pinwnll house, as seen in the Vignette, built in IGGO, now owned by 
Col. Thomas Aspinrtall, consul at London, in which his great gr;uidl";illier was 
burn. 



29 

effectual change in the habits of the times was. imdcr God, ef- 
fected by the Washington Society, in Baltimore, formed, on 
5 April, 18 10, by six notorious inebriates, some of whom were 
more than half intoxicated, at tiie time of signing the pledge. 

Three days, after the formation of the Baltimore Washington 
Society, namely, the 8 April 1840, the Brookline Total Ab- 
stinence Society was formed, and, on 4 April. 1842, the 
Brookline Washington Total Abstinence Society took its rise.* 

To show, how much we are indebted to the Temperance re- 
formation, and to its most efficient agents, it is only necessary to 
glance at the almost universal customs, in the use of intoxicat- 
ing liquors, within the memory of many of my hearers. 

Nurses began with infants, at their birth, and administered 
alcoholic mixtures to quiet their crying, and relieve tliem from 
temporary pain. This practice, in the opinion of the celebrated 
Dr. Rush, overcame the natural distaste for alcohol, which the 
kind Author of the human frame appointed, as a safeguard from 
its use, and thus prepared the way tor its relish in subsequent 
years. 

It. was almost as common to take a mixture of strong drink, 
at XI A. M. and at lY P. M., as to eat at the regular hours of 
meals. 

When neighbors met, for visits, or on business, wine and 
stronger drinks were almost universally ofiered ; and it would 
have been thought strange to refuse the civility. 

On meeting at grocery shops, and with too many, this was a 
daily practice, one neighbor was accustomed to treat another 
with some alcoholic mixture; and this civility must be recipro- 
cated, on tlie spot, though both parties had already drank more, 
than was for their good. 

Farmers went to such places for morning drams. 
At every birth day, it was usual to treat ; and especially on 
freedom day, there would be a great collection and much dram- 
drinking. 

When a man was published to be married, his friends and 
neighbors would, the next day, throng his house for the custom- 
ary indulgence. A mechanic once lamented to me, that by rea- 
son of the numbers, who on that occasion, spcmt the day at Ms 
house, the expense of treating them was a serious inconvenience. 
*A[ipcndix xxxvni. 



30 

At the raisings of buildings, there was always much unnec- 
essary drinking. 

On 4 July, and other holidays, clubs would meet for con- 
vivial treats; and, on proceeding to the Capital, booths would be 
scattered all over the common, with spirituous liquors under 
every possible alluring form. 

Trainings were gala-days of dissipation. So numerous and 
obvious were the abuses, on these occasions, by a too free use of 
strong drinks, and consequent quarrels, that our Legislatures 
have wisely dispensed, in a great measure, with such gather- 
ings, to prevent the attendant and consequent evils, which never 
failed to result from them. 

Weddings were awfully desecrated byabominable indulgences. 
It was formerly the custom to fill the house with guests, on such 
occasions, and to furnish abundance of intoxicating liquors. 
The boldest of the number, when heated with drink, would be- 
tray even some of the ihore staid guests into excesses, which 
cost them many a bitter pang. Well might be applied to such 
parties, as they were sometimes conducted, what^Paul says of 
the Bacchanalian rites of the Heathen, " It is a shame to speak 
of the things, which are done of them in secret." 

For several years, after the Revolutionary war, it was common 
for merchants, on the exchange, in Boston, to go to some public 
house* at eleven o'clock, and drink punch and kindred liquors. 
No wonder, that so many of them, who were in that constant 
practice., fell a sacrifice to gout, jaundice, and similar diseases, 
without arriving at old age. 

What strange customs prevailed at funerals, in those drinking 
days? Large waiters, with full wine glasses, were carried 
round, with much inconvenience. Various kinds of spirits were 
also furnished for bearers, pall-holders, and others, who chose 
to share them. 

I remember ofiiciating at the funeral of a Town pauper, in 
this comparatively temperate village, at which the selectmen 
felt bound to furnish wine, and two kinds of spirit. Nor was 
it thought strange by most persons present. Indeed the fathers 
of the town would then have been blamed for permitting a poor 
person to be buried without the tokens of respect customary 
among her wealthier neighbors ! 

* Commorily tJie Diincii of Grapes Tavern. 



31 

When, a little more than thirty years ago, a farmer, in this 
Town, commenced the cultivation of his lands withont the nse 
of ardent spirits, it was thought as strange, as one of the seven 
wonders of the world. He was watched with eagle eyes, as if 
it would he impossible for his laborers to do their appointed 
work. He Avas charged with avarice, though he compounded 
with his workmen fully to compensate them for their self-de- 
nial. But what have we lived to see ! It would now seem full 
as strange to find a farmer, in his daily labors, using ardent 
spirits, twice a day, as formerly to cultivate his lands without 
them. 

It is hardly possible to exaggerate the present, in comparison 
with former habits of living, in point of temperance, exemption 
from disease, endurance of labor, judicious culture, peaceful in- 
tercourse between men and their employers, mutual satisfaction, 
and domestic quiet. 

Prevalent as were the evils formerly among us from the abuse 
of ardent spirits, it is my firm conviction, that, as a people, we 
could be compared favorably with most of our neighbors. In- 
deed, the Hon. George Cabot, a senator of the United States, 
during Washington's administration, for about ten years a resi- 
dent in this Town, who, in early life, as a sea-captain, had 
visited many foreign lands, and who was, in all respects, a 
most competent witness of what he testified, once assured me, 
that in no part of our land, or of the globe, had he ever wit- 
nessed a people more exempt from contention, more peaceable, 
more industrious, more temperate, more thrifty, than the people 
of this Town. 

Still many were the calamities, which individuals and their 
families experienced from the intoxicating cup. 

That you have so generally renounced this fatal poison, and 
are doing so much to prevent its abuse by others, \vill, I am 
fully persuaded, account lor the difference between your former 
and present condition and prospects. 

To further, as far as possible, tiiese desirable objects, let us, 
in the fear of God, and in the spirit of Christ, dedicate this com- 
modious and tasteful Hall to the important uses, for Avhich it is 
designed, and to which it is so admirably adapted. Let it ever 
be a bond of union to all the inhabitants of this favored village ! 
Let the municipal transactions, Avhich are henceforth here to 



32 

take place, be ever conducted in a spirit of mutual conciliation. 
While we strenuously maintain our individual rights, let us gen- 
erously vindicate the rights of others. "Let nothing be done 
through strife or vain glory; but, in lowliness of mind, let each 
esteem others better, than himself," 

Where we differ, as differ often we must, in political, or relig- 
ious, or any other matters, let no one cherish such self-love, as 
not to respect the self-love of others. 

We dedicate this edifice to mental cultivation, to useful intel- 
ligence, to sound morals, to kind neighborhood, to temperance, 
and every christian grace. 

H'hat portion of this commodious building, which is designed 
for the instruction of youth, the hope of their parents, and of 
our common country, we dedicate to the cause of good learning, 
of sound principles, of wholesome discipline, of ever increasing 
progress. 

If, my respected hearers, my imperfect remarks have taught 
nothing else, they surely go lo illustrate the solemn truth, that 
" the fashion of this world passcth away; that man continueth 
not in one stay; -that we are strangers and sojourners here, as 
all our fathers were." 

The progressive improvements of modern times render it not 
improbable that, when this beauteous fabric shall grow old, and 
decay, it may give place to an edifice, which shall as far exceed 
this, as the present is superior to the rude structures of former 
times. 

What holier wish can I indulge, what kinder or better hopes 
can I express, than that, when the changes shall pass over our- 
selves, which we have contemplated, as occurring to past gener- 
ations, to all the works of men's hands, and even on the face of 
nature itself, we all maybe prepared, through the mercy of 
God in Christ .Icsus, for improvements, infinitely superior to 
what this earth can furnish, in a " house not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens!" 



APPENDIX. 



The H;ill is 53 feet long, SG^ feet wide, and 17 feet high, besides a Front 
Gallery. 

The Building contains two School-rooms, each 36^ feet long by 23^ feet wide. 

I. p. 5. 

The Exercises at the dedication were, 

I. Chorus. " Glory be to God on high ;" 

II. Sentence. " O Lord, incline our hearts ;" 

III. Prayer by Rev. William H. Shailer; 

IV. Dedication Anthem. " TiOrdof Hosts;" 

V. Address by John Pierce, D. D. 

VI. Temperance Anthem ; 

VII. Ode by Mr. B. F. Baker; 

VIII. Chorus. " Glory to God." 

II. p. 5. 

I. A discourse delivered at Brookline, 24 November, 1805, the day, which com- 
pleted a century from the incorporation of the Town. 

II. A discourse delivered, 9 November, 1817, the Lord's day after the com- 
pletion of a century from the gathering of the Church, in Brookline. 

III. Reminiscences of forty years, delivered, 19 March, 1837, the Lord's 
day after the completion of forty years from his settlement in the ministry. 

III. p. 10. 

A similar account is given by John Josselyn, Gent, in an account of two voy- 
ages to New-England, p. 1G2, published, in 1675. 

"Two miles from the Town, at a place called Muddy-i'iver, the inhabitants 
have farms, to whicii belong rich arable grounds and meadows, where they keep 
their cattle, in summer, and bring them to Boston, in tiie winter." 

In an old English account of tiie war with King Philip is the following. 

" On 28 August, 1675, happened here, at eleven o'clock at night, a most 
violent storm of wind and rain. The like was never known before. It blc w up 
many ships together, that they bulged one another; some towards Cambridge; 
some to Muddij-river, doing much iiurt to very many. Also, it broke down many 
wharves, and blew down some houses. Thereupon the Indians afterward re- 
ported, that they had caused it by their Pawaw, that is, worshipping the devil." 

IV. p. 11. 

" The earliest trace of our system of free schools is to be found on the Boston 
Records, under date of 13 April, 1635."— SVto2o'5 Ilistorijof Boston,]}. 348. 

The first provision for public Schools by the State was made, in 1647. Win- 
thrups Juarnal, Vol. II, p. 213, notel. 

V. p. 12. 

On 28 May, 1697, Voted, that Joiiu Searle teach school, in Muddy-river from 
the tirst Monday, in May, 1697 to the last day of February, 1697, 10 months. 
Bruoklliic Toicn Records. 

To understand the above vole, it i.s to be observed, that, at that period, the year 
closed with tlic tweutv-lifth of I\Iarch 



34 

VI. p. 12. 

A flourishing Elm tree was set out by Mr. Ebenczer Heath, in the Spring of 
1825, on tiio very site of the brick School-house. 

VII. p. 12. 

The Brooi<line Public High School went into operation, in May, 1843, under 
the instruction of Mr. Benjamin H. Rhoades, A. M., a graduate of Brown Uni- 
versity, in l-^IU. His Assistants have been Mr. James Pierce, and, next, Miss 
A. Elisabetfi Appleton. 

The room, which liad been at first occupied, as a Town Hall, was elegantly 
and conveniently fitted up for the High School ; a respectable Library was pro- 
cured ; and since, through the agency of the Principal, five hundred dollars have 
been raised by subscription, and an elegant Philosophical Apparatus has been 
provided. 

VIII. p. 13. 

Besides two or three private Schools, there are three District Schools, in the 
Town, in addition to the High School; namely, the South-Western, taught, 
through the year, by Miss Augusta Draper; the Southern, by Miss Emily Kecd; 
and the Northern, by Miss Catharine Stearns, a teacher of large e.xperience and 
rare qualifications, assisted by Miss Amelia Gerry. The number of pupils, in 
this District, are so constantly increasing, not merely by the recent addition of a 
part of Roxbury to this Town, but also by the augmentmg population, that farther 
provision for instruction must soon be made, in this part of the Town. 

IX. p. 14. 

To His Excellency the Governor, Council and Assembly, in General Court 
convened, The humble petition of the inhabitants of Muddy-river showeth. 

That, at a session of this honorable couit, held at Boston, on 13 August, 1704, 
the said inhabitants exhibited their humble petition, praying, that the said Mud- 
dy-river might be allowed a separate village, or peculiar, and be invested with 
such powers and rights, as they may be enabled by themselves to manage the 
genera! affairs of tiie said place. Which petition has been transmitted to the 
Selectmen of ihe Town of Boston, that they may consider the same ; since 
which your huiiible petitioners not liaving been informed of any objection made 
by the Town of Boston aforesaid, we presume, that there is no obstruction to 
our humble request made in our petition. 

Wherefore we humbly beseech your Excellency, that this honorable court will 
be pleased to proceed to pass an Act for the establishing of the said place a sep- 
arate village or peculiar, w itii such powers, as aforesaid, and your petitioners 
shall ever pray, 

Samuel Scvvall, Jr. Josiah Winchester, 

Thomas Gardner, John Devotion, 

Benjamin White, Joseph Gardner, 

Thomas Slcdman, Thomas Stedman, Jr. 

John Winchester, John Ackers, 

Samuel Aspinwulj, Josiah Stedman, 

Elea/.er Aspinwall, Thomas Gardner, Jr. 

William Sharp, Ralph Shepard, 

Edward Devotion, Abraham Chamberlain, 

Josiah Winchester, Jr. Peter Boylslon, 

John Ellis, John Ackers, Jr. 

Johi; \V'in(!hestei, Jr. William Ackers, 

Thomas Woodward, Benjamin White, Jr, 

Holland,* Caleb Gardner, 

Gardner,* John Seaver, 

Joseph VV'hite, Henry Winchester. 

■* Christian names worn ofl. 



35 

X. p. 14. 

A copy of Brookline Grant. Anno regni Anna? Reginrr Quarto 

At a great and general court for her Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts 
Bay, in New-England, begun and held, at I3oston, upon Wt;dnesday, J3 May, 
1705, and continued by several prorogations unto Wednesday, ^4 October, fol- 
lowing, and then met, Ki November, 1705. 

In Council. The order passed by liie Representatives, upon the petition of the 
inliabitants of Muddy-river, a Hamlet of Boston, read on Saturday last, 

Ordered, That the prayer of the petition be granted ; and the powers and priv- 
ileges of a Township be given to the inhabitants of the land, commonly known 
by the name of Muddy-river, the Town to be called Brookline ; who are hereby 
enjoined to build a Meeting-house, and obtain an able orthodox minister, accord- 
ing to the direction of the Law, to be settled amongst them, within the space of 
three years next coming ; 

Provided, That all common lands, belonging to the Town of Boston, lying 
within the said bounds of Muddy-river, not disposed of, or alloted out, shall still 
remain to the proprietors of said lands. 

Which order, being again read, was concurred and consented to. 

Joseph Dudley. 

Taken from Mr. Addington's Copy sent to the Town. 

A true copy examined by me, Isaac Addington, Secretary. 

Recorded by me, Samuel Sewall, Jr., Town Clerk. 

XI. p. 14. 

A short account of Brooklyn, in the Boston Magazine, for June, 1788, of about 
one page and a half, though anonymous; yet, on the best authority, is ascribed 
to the Rev. Joseph Jackson, the fourth minister of Brookline. 

By a letter from the Rev. Samuel Sewall, of BurJington, great-great grandson 
of Judge Samuel Sewall, who possesses a large portion of the private papers with 
the Journals of his venerable ancestor, he conjectures with a good degree of 
probability, " that Brookline borrowed its name from one of the farms within its 
bounds, namely, the Gates farm, hired of Judge Sewall, which was probably 
called Brookline from the circumstance, that Smelt-brook, running through it, was 
the line of division between that and one of the neighboring farms ;'" and, he 
might have added, that it was the boundary between that farm and Cambridge. 
" This accounts for the name being often mentioned by the Judge, in his Journal, 
before Brookline was incorporated ; and, as he was a large land-holder in the 
place, and a member of the Council, at the time of its incorporation, it seems 
likely, that it might have been submitted to him to furnish the name for the 
new Town ; and that he gave it this of Brookline, which had been for years 
familiar to him, as the name of a farm within its precincts, and likewise a very 
good name for the purpose designed.'" — Ms. Letter of the Rev. Samuel Sewall. 

XII. p 15. 

On Monday, 2 July, 1821, the Causey from Charles street, Boston, over what 
is denominated the Western Avenue to the adjoining Towns was completed so 
far that carriages past over it, for the first time, this day. A cavalcade was formed, 
early in the morning, of about one hundred, on horseback, headed by Gen. Wil- 
liam H. Sumner, who past over the Brighton branch, and returned by way of the 
Brookline branch. On arriving at the Coffer Dam, General Sumner addressed 
the company in a short speech. 

The Act of Incorporation for building this Dam was obtained, in . 1817 

It was begun, in .......... 1818 

and cost about ,f600.000. M Q, R 

From Charles street to the cross dam, 1-0.0 

" to the Wfst end of the main dam, . . 11. 73 

" to Brighton road to Cambridgeport, . . 3.2.27 

" to the Punch-bowl road, Brookline, • 2.3.70 

" over the cross dam to Roxbury road, . 2.3 16 



36 

Distances according to Francis Jackson, land commissioner, Boston, as pub- 
lished in the Boston Centinel, 2G December, If^IlS. 

From Parsonage of I Ciili. Brookline to tlie old State-house, Boston. M Q, R 

Over the Neck, 5. 0. 37 

Over the Western Avenue, 4.1.77 
Over Tremont street, 4.2.56 

The road from Boston to Ro.xbury, over Treiuoiit street was opened, ]0 Sep- 
tember, 1832. Tlie whole e.\teiu of the new part of the road from the Misses 
Byles, in Boston, to the old road by Wait's Mill, in Roxbury, is 2 miles and 6 
rods. 

X[II. p. 15. 

An Act relating to the boundary lines of the City of Boston and the Town of 
Brookline. 

Section I. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Gen- 
eral Court assembled, and by the authority of the same. 

Thai llip agrecmonl made by and between thn Afayor and Aldermen of the 
City of Ljv.>t()i), for and in IicIimH" of the said City, and the Selectmen of the Town 
of Brookline, in beluilf of said Town, relative to the boundary lines between the 
said City and Town, shall be, as follows, namely, beginning at a ])oint marked 
(a) at an angle 1 lo^ from the .Mill Dam, until it strikes the centre of the channel 
of Charles River, and also running from the said point (a) Southerly, at an angle 
of \4'.i'- 40', until it strikes tiie centre of the channel of Muddy-river, at a 
point, where the respective boundaries of Boston, Brookline, and Roxbury, meet 
each other. 

Section II. Be it farther enacted, That the boundary lines between the 
Countirs respectively of Suffolk and Norfolk, so far as they are affected by this 
Art, shall hereafter conform t<> the said boundary lines between the said City and 
Town; and the same are declared and established to be the boundary lines be- 
tween the said Counties respectively, any thing in any former Act to tlie contrary 
notwithstanding. 

Provided however, That the .several Laws regulating the erection'of buildings, 
within the City of Boston, shall not extend to the land hereby tranuferred from 
the said Town of Brookline to tin; said City. — 22 Fchriuirij, l62o. 

XIV. p. 15. 
ACT OF r^I4, CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

An Act to annex a part of the Town of Roxbury to the Town of Brookline. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court as- 
sembled, and by the autiiority of the same, as follows. 

Section I. Jeromiah I.ynn with all the other persons, their polls and estates, 
and all the lands lying within a line, beginning in the centre of Muddy-brook at 
the junction thcrrof with another brook, running between Roxbury and Brook- 
line, across the Mill Dam road, and at a post there s(>t, and running Southerly 
and Westerly by the centre of said Muddy-brook, through the estate of Henry 
S. Ward, thence following the centre of said brook through the land of Samuel 
Wyman, until it meet? a stone-wail dividing said Wymau's land from the land of 
Joseph Curtis ; thence following said wall, nearly in a North Westerly direction, 
until it meets the present line of division between Roxbury and Brookline, aa 
laid down on a ])lan by E. V. Woodward, Esq. dated, 8 February, 1841, are 
lierehy set oil' from the Town of Roxbury, and annexed to tiie Town of 15rook- 
line, in the County of Norfolk. 

Section H. The land herciiiy set off from Roxbury to Brookline, and the per- 
sons residing ihereoji, shall be liable, and iiolileii to pay tli(;ir just |)ro|iorti(>n of 
all taxes, which have been assessed on the inhabitants of the s;iid 'J'own of Rox- 
bury, previous to the passing of this Act, and also their portion of all County 
and Stale taxes, that may he ■•lsse.^Sl!d on said Town of Rf^xbury |>revions to the 
taking of the next State valuation ; said proportion to be ascertained and dolijr- 
niined by the Town valuation of said Roxbury ; and the Town of ISrookline 
fihnll be liable for the support of all pers(ms, who now do, or hereafter may stand 
in need of relief, as |)aupers, whose settlement was gained, or derived, within the 
limits described in the first Section of this Act. .'Iji/irurcd by the Goccrno7-,24 
Febriiort/, 1844. 



37 

XV. p. 18. 

This woodlanrl is given by deed of Samuel White, Esq., to tlie Selectmen* 
df the Town of IJrooiiline, for the li?ne being, " to supply liie minister or minis- 
ters, tli.1t lUiiy be settled in s;iid Town from time to lime." 

Tiie Deed Was probably written by Jeremiah Gridlcy, an eminent lawyer, who- 
then lived, in this Town, as he is tlie first witness mentioned ; and as tiie Instru- 
ment was acknowledged before him. 

XVI. p. 18. 

By subsequent accumulation tliis amounted to ^4531.01, loaned to the Town 
of Brookline for the erection of the Town Hall, in 1845, which contains two 
convenient School-rooms. 

This Edward Devotion, who formerly lived on the farm, now owned by Mr. 
Georije Babcock, died, 7 November, 5744, in a house, in the runch-bowl vil- 
lage,' formerly owned by Stephen, then VVm. Brewer, Esq. and from which Mr. 
Lemuel Foster lately removed. 

XVII. p. 18. 

The Town Records of this period abound in notices of such meetings, and of 
the patriotic resolutions unitedly and zealously adopted. 

XVIII. p. 19. 

The Railroad to Worcester passes directly through these fortifications at Sew- 
all's point. 

XIX. p. 19. 

The following is the inscription : 

"Capt. Samuel Wadsworth, of Milton, his Lieut. Sharp, of Brookline, and 
twenty-six other souldiers, fighting for the defence of their country, were slain 
by the Indian enemy, and lye buried in this place." 

XX. p. 20. 

Robert, the fiither of John Hull, and grandfather of Judge Samuel Sewall, died, 
28 July, 1G66,' aged 73, and was buried, in the new burying place, ne.\t tiie Com- 
mon. 

Dr. Cotton Mather, in his life of the Rev. John Wilson, p. 28, remarks; 

" Behoidinj; a young man, extraordinarily dutiful, in all possible ways of be- 
ing serviceable, unto his aged mother, then weak in body, and poor in estate, he 
[vTz. R,ev. John Wilson] declared unto some of his family, what he liad be- 
held ; adding therewithal, I charge you, take notice of what I say. God will 
certainly bless that young man; John Hull (for that was his name) shall grow 
rich, and live to do God good service in his generation. It came to pass accord- 
ingly, that this exemplary person became a very rich, as well as emphatically a 
good man, and afterwards died a Magistrate of the Colony." 

John Hull died, 30 September , 1683. Rev. Daniel Gookin, son of the Major 
General, wr.ite some poetry upon iiis death, entitled " A few shadie meditations 
occasioned by the death of the deservedly honored John Hull, Esq. who was re- 
inoverl from "his earthly tabernacle to be an inhabitant of that House, not made 
with hands, eternal in tlie heavens, 30 Septenilier, 1683." 

The following notice of his wife's death is supposed to be by Dr. Cotton 
Mather. 

" Mrs. Judith Hull, of Boston, N. E. late wife of John Hull, Esq. deceased, a 
diligent, constant, fruitful reader and hearer of the word of God, rested from 
iier labors, 22 June, 16'.>5, being the seventh day of the week, a little before sun- 
set, just about the time she used to begin the Sabbath, aged 6'J. ' 

XXL p. 20. 

Judge Sewall's confession, as recorded in his Journal, not dated, but probably, 
on Fast-day, 14 Jan. 1606-7. 



38 

'• A copy of tlie Bill I put up on the Fast-day, giving it to Mr. Willard, as he 
passed by, and standing up at the reading of it, and bowing , when finished, in the 
afternoon. 

*' Samuel Sewall, sensible of the reiterated strokes of God upon himself and 
family ; and being sensible, that as to the guilt contracted, upon the opening of 
the late commission of ()yor and Terminer, at Salem (to which the order of the 
day refers) he is, upon many accounts more concerned, than any, that he knows 
of, desires to take the blame and shame of it, asking pardon of men, and especi- 
ally desiring prayers, that God, who has an unlimited authority, would pardon 
that sin, and all other his sins personal and relative; and according to his infinite 
benignity and sovereignty, not visit the sin of him, or of any other, upon him- 
self, or any of his, nor ujion tlie land ; but that he would powerfully defend him 
against all temptations to sin, for the future, and vouchsafe him the efficacious, 
saving conduct of his word and spirit." 

No evidence appears, that this was an act of church discipline ; but simply a 
voluntary confession. 

Judge Sewall's father Henry died, 16 May, 1700, aged 86. 

The Judge prepared the following epitaph to his memory, in the burying-yard 
of the first parish, in Newbury. 

"Henry Sewall sent by his' father, Henry Sewall, in the Ship Elisabeth and 
Dorcas, arrived at Boston, 16li4, wintered at Ipswich, helped begin this plantation, 
1635, furnishing English servants, neat cattle and provisions. Married Mrs. Jane 
Dummer, 2.") March, 1G46, and died, 16 May, 1700, aged 86. His fruitful vine, 
being thus disjoined, fell to the ground, the January following." 

Judge Samuel Sewall, of H. U. 1671, was Fellow of Harvard University, a 
number of years, and one of its benefactors. He went to England, in 1688, the 
year of the glorious Revolution. He was one of the first Counsellors, after the 
charter of William and Mary. In 169^, he was made Judge of the Superior 
Court; and, in 1718, Chief Justice. He resigned his seat upon the Bench, 1728, 
as well as his office, as Judge of Probate, and died, January, 1720, aged 77. 

XXII. p. 20. 

In an able article in the North American Review, for July, 1844, it is stated, that 
the Aspinwall Elm, in Brookline, is known to have been 181 years old, in 1837. 
According to tliis computation, it must have been set out, in 1656. But the tra- 
dition of the oldest and best informed inhabitants has uniformly been, that it 
was planted by Deacon Samuel Clark, great grandfather of the present Deacon 
Joshua C. Clark, who served his boyhood in the Aspinwall family. He died, 7 
May, 1766, aged 81. He was accordingly born in 16.S5, 21t years after the period 
assigned to the planting of this tree. But as he lived in the Aspinwall family, 
only in his youth, he probably set out the tree, about 1700, when he was fifteen 
years of age. 

XXIII. p. 21. 

Capt. Samuel Aspinwall died, 6 September, 1727, aged 65. At his family de- 
votions, that morning, he read the XXVIIth chapter of Proverbs, beginning with 
«' Boast ni)t thyself of to-morrow ; for thou knowest not, what a day may bring 
forth." Having business on Muddy-river, which bounded his farm, he was provi- 
dentially drowned, that very day ! 

XXIV. p. 21. 

The following account of Dr. Boylston, with some variations, was published 
in the Apjiendix of the author's Century Discourse, forty years ago. 

.■Mter receiving a good private education, the subject of this notice studied 
physic with Dr. Culh-r an eminent physician and surgeon, in Boston; and, i:i 
process of tiine, arrived at great distinction in his profcBsion. 

In 1721, the small pox prevailed, in Boston. Having received information, in 
a letter from Dr. Cotl<m Mather, of the manner, in vvliieli inoculation was prac- 
tised, in Turkey, he boldly resolved, notwithstanding the in veterate prejudices of 
his countrvmeii against it, to cfimmcnee the practice himself. 

He first inoculated his own children and servants. Encouraged by the result 



39 

of this experiment, in 1721, 1722, he inoculated 247 persons, in Boston and the 
neighboring Towns. Thirty-nine were inoculated by others, in the whole 2ri6, 
of whom only six died. . , , , ■ n 

Notwithstanding this wonderful success, the populace, headed and inflamed by 
some of his own profession,* were so exasperated, as to render it unsafe for him 
to travel in the evening. They argued, that he ought to be viewed and treated, 
as the murderer of those, who should die in consequence of inoculation. To such 
madness did their passions transport them, that a lighted granado was, one even- 
in^, thrown into the chamber of a young man, who had been inoculated. He 
must inevitably have lost his life, had not the fuse been removed by passing 
through the window. 

Had Dr. Boylston gone, at this time, to England, he might have accumulated 
an immense fortune by skill in treating the small pox. He did not however visit 
that country, till 172.3, Avhen inoculation had become common. He was then 
received with the most flattering attention. Chosen a member of the Royal So- 
ciety, he became acquainted with some of the most distinguished characters in 
the nation. His communications to that Society, after his return to America, 
were ingenious and celebrated. 

After a long period of eminence in his profession, he retired to his patrimonial 
estate, in Brookline, to pass the remainder of his days. He there expired, on 1 
March, 176G, and was interred in his own tomb, which bears the following plain, 
though appropriate and just inscription. , r. t> o 

" Sacred to the memory of Dr. Zabdiel Boylston, Esq. P hysician, and 1 • R- S. 
who first introduced the practice of inoculation into America. Through a life of 
extensive beneficence, he was always faithful to his word, just in his dealings, 
affable in his manners , and, after a long sickness, in which he was exemplary 
for his patience and resignation to his Maker, he quitted this^mortal life, in a just 
expectation of a happy immortality, 1 March, 1766, aitat. 87." 

The wish has often been expressed, that a more suitable Monument might be 
raised to the memory of a man, so highly distinguished in his profession. 

XXV. p. 22. 

Tudor, in his life of Otis, claims Mr. Gridley, as a Boston inhabitant, and as- 
serts, that he died there. i, j- j 

The Rev. Dr. Eliot, in his New-England Biography also states, that he died 
at Boston. But it is a well known fact, that he lived a bachelor, for several years, 
in Brookline ; and, in the record of deaths, in Brookline, it is noted, that he 
died there, on 10 September, 1767, aged 64. Dr. Eliot justly says of him, that 
his legal knowledge was unquestionable; and adds, " he died poor, because he 
despised wealth." 

XXVI. p. 22. 

Henry Hulton, Esq. one of the five commissioners, appointed by Parliament to 
receive and distribute the revenue, accruing from a duty to be paid by the Colo- 
nists on paper, glass, painters' colors, and teas imported into the Colonies, arrived 
at Boston, in November, 1767. He resided in the house specified, as his country 
seat. 

XXVII. p. 23. 

Statistical account of the industry and products of the Town of Brookline, 
during the year, ending 1 April, l."<45. jt.ion-i 

2600 pairs of Ladies' yarn hose, valued at . . . * ^or 

Saddles and harnesses manufactured, . • • • •^'*"* 

Wagons, sleighs, and other vehicles, . . • • 4000 

Cabinet ware manufactured, . . . • • 

3400 hides tanned. Value of leather, . . • • 

Capital employed in Tanneries, 24000 nooo'- 

Amount carried over, 2662o 

** The most virulent of these opponents was Dr. Thomas Douglass from Scot- 
.and, who betrayed the most ferocious passions, both in conversation and from the 
press, in a malignant opposition to his more successful competitor. 



40 



Amount bronght over, 

<jl!2 pairs of boots and 210 pairs of shoes, valued at 

lfi3 cords of fire wood, prepared for market, 

270 borscs kept in the Town, valued at . 

{j'.\ pairs of oxen, at $^o per pair, 

25G cows, at !5i25 each, 

362 swine, .... 

122". bushels of Indian corn, 

2036 " rye, 

136 " barley, 

30869 " potatoes, 

17f<9 tons of hay, 

ir)08 pounds of butter, 

1070 " honey, 

1233 barrels of string beans, 1.50, 

2560 " green peas, 2.00 

2288 " cucumbers, 1.00 

2074 " beets, 1 .25, 

1674 " onions, 1.25 

1222 " parsnips, 1.25, 

5220 " green corn, 1.00 

1095 bushels of tomatoes 50 

15880 " turnips, 1^ . 

296 tons of squashes, a ^15, 

14 1-8" peppers, $60 

204 " carrots, $8, . 

255650" cabbages, a 3 cts. 

Celery and horse-radish, valued at 

Early salads and greens, valued at . 

Melons of different varieties, 

Asparagus, . . . • 

Shell beans and other small articles, 

FRUITS. 
15913 barrels of apples, valued at $1.25, 
691 " jiears, 

134 bushels of peaches, a $2, 
222 " plums, a.«<3. 

1539 " cherries, $2.50, . 

475 " currants, $2, 

250 " quinces, $2, 

12309 boxes of strawberries, « 20 cts. 
49.")6 " ras|)berries, a 25 cts. 

12470 pounds of grapes, a .50 cts, 
IKt tons of rye straw, n $10, 
1044 barrels of cider (for vinegar of course,) Is 
93440 gallons of inilU, a Is. 



XXVIII. p. 2.3. 



23325 
3520 
1059.50 
20400 
5355 
6400 
5430 

857.50 

1425.20 

88.40 

12347.60 

25046 

271.44 

214 

1834.50 
5120 
2288 
2592.50 
2092.50 
1527.50 
5220 

997.50 
2646.67 
4440 

847.50 
1632 
76(39.50 
2;)17 
4255 
2437 
2244 

575 

19891.25 
27»4 

268 

666 
2847.50 

950 

500 

2461.80 
1239 
6235 
1100 
1044 
15573.33 

$212635.69 



For several years, after the revolutionary war, there were frequent misunder- 
Btandings among the militia companies, in this vicinity, respecting rank ; till it 
wns finally adjusted, that the companies of Dorchester, lloxbury, and Urookline 
should constitute the first regiment of the first Brigade of the hrst Division of 
militia, in this Commonwealth, tiiking precedence of the companies, in Boston, 
on th(i ground, it is believed, that Dorchester received its Act of incorporation, 
as a Town, before Boston. 

XXIX. p. 24. 

According to the laws of the Commonwealth, formerly in force, all new com- 
ers into the^Town of whatever profession or rirciiiiistances received a formal 
warning to depart out of the Town from the Constable, certified by the Town 
Clerk. 



41 

For examplf, when the Rev. Jonathan Hyde came to Brookline to preach to a 
Society of Separatists, he received the following summary notice. 

" Jonathan Hyde was warned to depart out of this Town unto tiie Colony 
and Town he last resided in, to wit. Canterbury, Connecticut." 

XXX. p. 24. 

In the Journal of Judge Sewall, it is stated, under date of 1688, 27 March, 
"Three Indian children, being alone, in a Wigwam, at Muddy-river, the Wig 
wain fell on fire, and burnt them so, that they all died. 

I. Sabbath, 11 January, 1691, at nightthe house of Joshua Gardner, at Muddy- 
river burnt, and two of his children." 

" On 21 December, 16U1, went with Mr. Addington and wife to the new house 
of Joshua Gardner, where were Mr. Walter and wife, Mr. Denison and wife. 
Sir Ruggles and Mrs. Weld. At dinner, Mr. Walter asked the blessing, and 
Mr. Denison relumed thanks, on account of completing their new house." 

H. In the News-Letter, 17 April, 1740, publislied, in Boston, is the following 
Memorandum. 

" Last Monday, A. M. 14 April, 1740, the house of Natiianiel Gardner," of 
Brookline, ne.xt lo the Meeting-house, in that Town, took fire, and was burned 
down; but most of the liousehold goods saved. It was occasioned by a chim- 
ney's being on fire, the sparks falling on the roof catched in the shingles, whicii, 
being ver/dry, burnt so violently, as 'twas impossible to put a stop thereto." 

Hi. In the Massachusetts Gazettte, 8 September, 1768, is the following no- 
tice. 

" Last Friday afternoon, the large dwelling house of Isaac Gardner, Esq., of 
Brookline, was consumed by fire, together with great part of the household 
goods, belonging to the family, consisting of eighteen persons, and^every thing 
in the garret and cellars. The loss is computed at 4 or £5000, O. T. 

The inhabitants of the Town met, on Monday ; and though the town consists 
of about fifty families, they generously raised a subscription of about £100 lawful 
money, to assist Mr Gardner in rebuilding his house." 

This house is now owned by Capt. Daniel Sanderson. In short of seven years 
from this date, Mr. Gardner was slain in Lexington battle. 

IV. A house owned by Capt. Samuel Croft, and occupied by the Rev. Joseph 
Jackson, was, in his absence, burnt down, on 8 June, 1774. Dr. Aspirwall, 
being at home, was instrumental, by his own judicious aid, and by directing the 
efforts of others, in saving great part of the furniture, and a principal portion of 
Mr Jackson's library. 

V. On 2\) February, ItilO, a little past midnight, a house nearly completed for 
Dea. Joshua C. Clark was, without a known cause, consumed by fire. The 
loss fell on the builder. But by generous aid, and spirited exertions, a new 
house, in its place, was so far completed, as to be inhabited, on 31 May, of the 
same vear. . 

VI. 'On 7 January, 1816, a house, built by Mr. Peter Parker, in wliuh 
his son, John Parker, Esq., a late eminent merchant was born, took fire in the 
night, and was consumed. 

Tlie fire was occasioned by means of ashes placed in a wooden vessel. 

It stood near the site of the Baptist meeting- house. For relief of the suff"erers 
there was raised by contribution, $119,70— by subscription, $446,70— in the 
whole, $.566,40. Tliis John Parker, the son ot a poor shoemaker, attained to 
such wealth, that his ta.xes, in the city of Boston, for years before his death, 
amounted to more than iy7,()00 a year ; while his annual taxes, in Roxbury, 
his summer residence, e.\' ceded $1000. 

VH. On Wednesday, 16 Sepleml)er, 1835, a house, built by William Wood, 
Esq., of Charlestown, last owned by Col. Thomas H. Perkins, took fire, through 
defect in the chimney, and was entirely consumed. 

It stood near the site of the spacious and elegant mansion, ere<:tcd by Thomas 
H Perkins, Jr. ^^ o ■ ■ 

V'lII. On Lord's day, 2 September, 1838, a dwelling-house of Capt. Benjamin 

* Where now stands the house of Thomas 'vV. Sumner, Esq. 



42 

Bradley took fire, between meetings, and was wholly consumed. By great exef-* 
tions several neighboring buildings were preserved from the devouring flames. 

XXXI. p. 24. 

Graduates at Harvard University. 

1. 1G!*8. *Jokn U'hite, A. M. Ordained minister at Gloucester, 21 April, 
1703, died, 16 January, 17G0, aged 83. 

2. 1707. *Ebenezer Devotion, A. M. Ordained at Suffieid, Conn., 28 June, 
1710, died, 11 April, 1741, aged 57. 

3. 1712 *Edward While, A. M. Farmer in Brookline, Justice of the 
Peace, Major i i the militia, and Representative to the General Court. He was 
born, 10 July Ki'ja, aiui <lit!d,2!l May, J7(31», aged 7(j. 

4. 1712, *jindrew Gardner, A. M. Ordained at W^orcester, in 1719, and 
dismissed, 31 October, 1722. Installed in Lunenburgh, 15 May, 1728, and dis- 
missed, 22 February, 1732. 

5. 1714. *JSamuel Aspinwall, A. M. He was born, 13 February, 1696, and 
died, 13 August, 1732, aged 37. 

The Rev. Mr. Allen i)ublished a funeral sermon on his death, in which he 
gave him an excellent character. 

The following account, by the same hand, was published in the New-England 
Weekly Journal, i\o. ::^.S3. 

Brookline, 21 August. On the 13 inst. died here, Mr. Samuel Aspinwall, 
of this Town, in the 37 year of his age, after between six and seven years' ill- 
ness He commenced Master of Arts, in Cambridge, 1717, and was designed for 
the ministry ; but discouraged by an inward weakness ; which, after he had 
been, for some little time, settled here, so advanced, as to take him ofl' from 
business, and, at length, proved fatal. He was a gentleman of bright parts, 
natural and acquired, a strung memory, quick wit, and solid judgment, pleasant 
in bis conversation, a steady friend, and a good Christian. 

6. 1733. *Ebenezer White, A. M. Born, 29 March, 1713 ; ordained at 
Norton, now Mansfield, 23 February, 1737, and died, 18 February, 1761, 
aged 47. 

7. 1737. ^Jonathan Winchester, A. M. Born, 21 April, 1717; ordained at 
Dorchester — Canada, since Asburnhara, 23 April, 1760, and died, 27 November, 
1767, aged .51. 

8. 1738. *Henry Sewall, A. M. Born, 8 March, 1720 ; farmer, in Brook- 
line, and Justice of the Peace. He died, 29 May, 1771, aged 52. 

9. 1738. *Jolin Druco, A. M. Physician in Wrentham. 

10. 1738. *CUarlcs Gleason, A. M. Born, 2!) December, 1718 ; ordained 
at Dudley, 31 October, 1744, and died, 7 May, 17il0, aged 72. 

11. 1741. *Jarnes Allen, son of the first minister ; born, 20 September, 1723, 
and died, December, 1749, aged 26. 

12. 1744. *npnjamin While, A. M., son of Major Edward White; born, 
5 October, 1724, farmer, in Brookline, Justice of Peace, for many years a Rep- 
resentative to the General Court, then a Counsellor. Died, 8 May, 1790, 
aged 66. 

13. 1747. 'Isaac Gardner, A. M. Born, 9 May, 1726; farmer, in Brook- 
line, Justice of the I'eace. On the memorable 19 April, 177.J, he went as a vol- 
unteer to Lexington battle, and was slain, at Cambridge, about a mile above the 
colleges, by the British troo[)s, on their return to Boston. 

In his domestic, social, civil, and reli!;i<jiis capiicily, he was equally beloved 
and respected. 'J'lie melancludy circumstance <jf his death excited great public 
sensibility, as well as private lamentation and regret. He died, at the age of 49. 

14. 17()1. *Hiill bewail, A. ,M , son of Henry Sewall, Esq. Born, 9 April, 
1744 ; and died, 27 Novetnbcr, 1767, aged 24. 

15. 1761. *Samu(;l Sewall, A. M , brother of the foregoing, great-grandson 
of Chief Juslieo Sew.ill, was born, 31 Dereniber, 1745, lived tmmarried, a coun- 
sellor at law, in Boston. Became a refugee from his country, proscribed in the 
banishment act of 1778, passed the remainder of his life, in liristol, England, 
where he died, 6 May, 1811, aged 66. His estate in Brookline, inherited in 
right of his mother, was forfeited by law, and afterwards purchased by the late 
Mr. John Heath. 



43 

16. 1764. "William Aspinwall, A. M., M. D., highly valued physician of 
Brookline and neifihborhood, was born, 23 May, 1743, and diod, 16 April, 1623, 
aged 80. See p. 22. 

17. 1764. *lsaac Winchester, born, 5 August, 1743, and ditui in the Conti- 
nental army. 

18. 1768. ^ITcnry Sewall, A. I\I., son of Henry Scvvall, Esq. Born, 19 
January, 174H, and died, 17 October, 1772, aged 24. 

rj. 1777. "John Goddard, A. M. Born, 12 November, \7'>6 ; Merchant 
of Portsmouth, N IL, in which he was Representative and Senator in their 
General Court. lie might have been advanced to still iiigher distinctions, had 
he consented to stand candidate. He died at Portsmouth, 18 December, 182lt, 
aged 73. 

20. 1786. *Elisha Gardner. Born, December, 1766. He died at the South- 
ward, engaged in mercantile pursuits. 

21. 1787. Caleb Child. Bom, in Brookline, 13 March, 1760. He has no 
relative in this region, who can tell, whether he be alive, or if living, where 

22. 1787. *Joseph Jackson, son of tlie fourth minister of Brookline. Born, 
27 October, 1767, died at Portsmouth, N. H., 19 August, 1790, while pursu- 
ing the study of physic. 

23. 1804. *William Aspinwall, M. D., son of Dr. William Aspinwall. Born, 
1784 ; died a practitioner of medicine, in his native town, 7 April, 1818, 
aged 34. 

24. 1804. Thomas Aspinv/all, A. M. Born 1786 ; lawyer in Boston, Colonel 
in the army in the last war with England, Consul at London. 

25. 1805. *5rt?HKe/ C/«rA-, A. M., son of Deacon Samuel Clark. Born, 1782 : 
Ordained at Burlington, Vt. 19 April, 1810 ; resigned, on account of ill health ; 
died there, 2 May, 1827, aged 45. 

26. 1805. Isaac Sparhawk Gardner, A. M.,son of General Isaac Sparhawk 
Gardner. Born, 1785; instructor of youth, in Frankfort, Ky. 

27. 1807. Samuel Jackson Gardner, A. M., son of Mr. Caleb Gardner. Born, 
1788 ; lawyer, last residing in the city of New York. 

28. 1831. John Tappan Fierce, A. M , son of the fifth minister of Brookline. 
Born, 14 December, 1811. On the 15 September, 1836, he was ordained an 
evangelist. He now olficiates in a congregational church in Arcadia, Madison 
county, Missouri. 

29. 1830. *William Penniman, son of Mr. Elisha Penniman. Died, 13 
February, 1832, while contemplating the study of divinity, aged 22. 

30. 1834. ^Nathaniel Bowditch Ingersoll, A. B., son of Nathaniel IngersoU. 
Died, a youth of promise, 31 May, 1836, aged 22. 

31. i838. William Parsons Atkinson, A. M., son of Mr. Amos Atkinson, is 
an instructor of youth. 

32. 1844. Edward Augustus Wild, A. B., sou of Dr. Charles Wild, student 
of medicine. 

Graduates at Brown University. 

1. 1811. Luther Metcalf Harris, son of Mr. John Harris. Born, 7 May, 
1789, Physician in Roxbury. 

2. 1824. William Leverett A. M., son of Mr. William Leverett. Born, 25 
January, 1800, pastor of the Baptist Church in East-Cambridge. 

3. 1832. C Washington Leverett, A. M. Professor in ShurtlefT College, 
Twins < Upper Alton, Illinois. 

4. 1832. ( Warren Leverett, A. M. ; Professor in the same College. 

5. 1837. George Griggs, A. M ., L. L. B. Harv., son of Mr. Joshua Griggs, 
lawyer in Boston, and resident in his native village. 

6. 1845. James Jindem, A. B., son of Mr. Moses Andem. Ordained Baptist 
minister of Dighton, 13 November, 1845. 

In the annual Catalogue of Brown University for 1845, Ilezekiah Shailer and 
Augustine ShurtlefT are mentioned, as seniors from Brookline. 

Graduate of Princeton, N. J. 

1. 1762. *Caleb White Died, in Brookline, 16 December, 1770, aged 30. 

XXXII. p. 84. 

I. The first of these is the Rev. FJhanan Winchester, son of Dea. Elhanan 



44 



Winchestpr, born, 19 September, 1751, in the house, best known, as Richards's 
Hotel, and was baptized in his infancy by the Rev. Jonathan Hyde, Separatist 
and Pedo-biiptist. 

His cDurseof life was singularly erratic. 

On 4 September, 1771, he was ordained as Baptist minister at Rchoboth. 

Backus, in his History of the Baptists, has traced his course through most of 
its windings. 

Mr. VVinchester showed his first deviation from the practice of the church, to 
which he ministpred, by insisting on open communion. 

He next became converted to close communion. 

After experiencing this versatility, his church voted to dispense with bis 
services. 

He c.'illed a Council, confessed his imprudence, and was received into the Bap- 
tist Churtli at Bcllingliam. 

He tiieu travelled as tar as South Carolina, itinerating over that part of the 
country. 

la the beginning of 17S1, he was dismissed from the Baptist Church, in Phila- 
delphia, as a Universalist. 

He tlieu spent a year, in New England. He sailed for England, in July, 1787. 
In London he published his Dialogues, which placed him at the head of a new 
sect, denominated RestorationLst. 

He returned to f'osion, July, 1704, and soon removed to Hartford, Conn., where 
he died, 18 April , 171)7, aged 4G, having published his new doctrines in a num- 
ber of volumes, and was buried by the Universalists. 

2. The otiier Baptist ministfr, mentioned in the Address, is the Rev. Benja- 
min Niles Harris, son of Mr. John Harris, born, 11) July, 171)2, who has minis- 
tered to a number of cliurches ol his denominatiuii, and is now at Rockport. 

The Congregational minister, to vvliicli the Address alludes, is tiie Rev. In- 
crease Sumner Uavis, sou of iMr. L'benezer Davis, born, in the spring of 1707, and 
was ordaineJ Congregational minister of the church, in Dorchester, N. H., 9 
October, 1828. He is now pastor nf the Congregational church, in VVentworth, 
N. H. 

The Hon. Thomas Aspinwall Davis, late Mayor of the city of Boston, was his 
brother. He was born, 11 December, 171)8, and died, on 22 November, 1845, 
liicking 19 days of 47 years. He died in Brookline, but had a public funeral in 
Central Church, Boston, to which he belonged, where an address was delivered 
by the pastor of his youth, and was printed by vote of the City Council, Boston. 

XXXI I r. p.Q4. 

For the following facts, and other statistics in this Address, the author is in- 
debted to Mr. John Cioddard, born in Brookline, 28 May, O. S. 1730, and who 
died, 13 April, 1816, aged 86, a man of uncommonly extensive observation, and 
with a memory proverbially accurate. He had peculiar facilities for a knowl- 
edge of the facts relating to this little Town. For he was not only a native, but 
spent a large portion of a long life in the place of his nativity. lie was, more- 
over, for many years. Selectman, Assessor, and Representative ol this Town to 
the General Court. 

He was son of John Goddard, grandson of Joseph Goddard, one of the found- 
ers of the first Congregational church, in Brookline ; also father of Joseph God- 
dard, born, 15 April, 1761, now the oldest man in the Town, and grandfather 
ofAhijali Warren Godda.d. These five generations of men have all cultivated 
the same farm, and have hcoa members in full communion of the First Congrega- 
ional church. 

Owners of Dwelling houses, in Brookline, in 1740. The names in <7fl//r5 des- 
ignate the then owners of houses, which still remain. 



1. Solomon Hill. 

2. Capt. John Winchester. 

3. Samuel Sewiill. 

4. William (ileason. 

5. Capl. Robert Sharp. 



6. Samuel Clark. 

7. Thomas Jispinrcall. 

8. Dca. Thnvias Cotton. 

9. Mtij. Edward IVhite. 
10. .Major Edward White. 



Ebenezer Kenrick. 
Natlianicl Hill, negro. 
John Drucc. 
Abraham Cliariiberlain. 
Abraham Woodward. 
Hugh Scott. 
James Griggs 
William Davis. 
John Harris. 
Isaac Child. 
Joshua Child. 
Timothy Harris. 
John Harris. 
Daniel Harris. 
Samuel iXevvell. 
Andrew Allard. 
John Woodicard. 
Christopher Dyer. 
Thomas Woodward. 
Nehcmiah Davis. 
John Goddard. 
Henry Winchester. 
Elhanan Winchester. 
John Seaver, Jr. 
Dudley Boylston. 



11. Major Edward White. 37. 

I^. Major Edwad White. 38. 

i;5. John Ellis. 3'J. 

14. Nathaniel Shfpard. 40. 

l.'j. Capt. Samuel Croft. 41. 

16. Major Edward White. 42. 

17. Isaac Winchester. 43. 

18. Rev. James Allen. 44. 

19. Rev. James Allen. 4.5. 

20. Dea. Samuel Clark. 46. 

21. Nathaniel Gardner. 47. 

22. Solomon Gardner. 48. 

23. Dr. Zabdiel Boylston 49. 

24. Nathaniel Seaver. 50. 

25. William Ackers. 51. 

26. Isaac Gardner. 52. 
27- John Seaver. 53. 

28. Samuel White, Esq. 54. 

29. Joseph White. 55. 

30. Dea. Benjamin While. 56. 

31. Benjamin White. 57. 

32. Joseph Adams. 58. 

33. Nathaniel Stedman. 59. 

34. Ebenezer Sargcant. 60. 

35. Capt. Benjamin Gardner. 61. 

36. Josiiua Stedman. 

A house formerly stood near Smelt-brook, owned by Amos Gates, who after- 
wards removed to Worcestisr. 

The house owned by David Coolidge was built by Nathan Winchester, son of 
Capt. John Winchester, grandson of John Winchester, (HI.) The other owners 
have been Thomas Griggs, his son Joshua Griggs, father in law of David 
Coolidge. 

A Mr. Ellis, father of John Ellis, who built the old Punch-bowl tavern, lived 
in a small house, a little beyond George Babcock's. 

1. Solomon Hill. His house formerly occupied by Edward and Mary Devo- 
tion, who gave the school fund before mentioned; William Marshall ; Charles 
Warren, T ; Rufus Babcock, T ; George Babcock. 

2. John Winchester, first Representative to the General Court ; then Capt. 
John Winchester, his son; ne.\t his son Isaac Winchester; Samuel Griggs; 
Dea. Thomas Griggs. 

3. Samuel Sewall, Esq., son of Judge Samuel Sewall. He raised his house, 
18 June, 1703, and moved into it with his father. 

The present house built by Henry Sewall, son of Samuel Sewall, Jr. ; inher- 
ited by Mrs. Edward K. Wolcott. Sold to Charles Stearns. 

4. William Gleason, father of the Rev. Charles Gleason of Dudley, lived in 
a house, a little south of the present George Babcock's. 

5. Caj)t. Robert Sharp. House built on the site of a house owned by John 
Sharp, brother of Robert Sharp, the first of the name, who came here fron) Dor- 
chester with Peter Aspinwall, the first of that name in this town. Martha, the 
daughter of John Sharp, was the wife of Joseph Buokminster, who afterwards 
moved to Framingham, the father of Joseph Buckminster, grandfather of the 
Rev. Joseph Buckminster, of Rutland, great-grandfather of the Rev. Joseph 
Buckminster, of Portsmouth, N. H., grcat-great-grandfiither of the Rev. Joseph 
Stevens Buckminster, Braille-square church, Boston. 

A little south ofNo. 5, stood the house of William Sharp, son of John Sharp, 
who moved to Ponifret, Conn. 

6. Samuel Clark. This estate was afterward purchased by the Sharp family. 
Stephen Sharp, Esq. built the house now occupied by John F. Edwards, in J 785. 
For many years he kept one of the principal schools in the Town. He was 
Selectman, Assessor, Town Clerk, for twenty-nine years, and repeatedly repre- 
sented the Town in the General Court. He died, 22 July, 1820, aged 72. He 
led a single life. 



46 

The late Oliver VVhyte, Esq. was his successor, as Town Clerk, for about the 
same period. He transcribed a largn portion o( the Town records, and died, 
highly respected, 6 August, )'^44, aged 7:5. 

7. Thomas Jispinwall. House built by Peter Aspinwall, IGGO ; next owned 
by liis son Samuel ; then by SamueTs son Thomas; then by Thomas's son. Dr. 
William Aspinwall ; nmv owned by Col. Thomas Aspinwall, Consul to London. 

The first Aspinwall house stood several rods east of the present, at the foot of 
a small hill, and near a spring of running water. 

8. Dca. Tlwmas Cotton, heir of the Rev. John Cotton, built the present 
house. He sold it to Dea. Ebenezer Davis, and moved to Pomfret, Conn. It 
was next owned by his son Ebenezer; then by his son Ebenezer; then by his 
son Robert Sharp Davis : and sold by the lieirs to Moses AnJem. 

i). Major Edward White, occupying the spot, where his first ancestors in this 
Town lived; inherited by the late Thomas White; last occupied by Thomas 
Somes. 

10. Major Edward White owned a house, which stood near the barn of the 
old Punchbowl tavern. 

11. Major Edward White owned a house which stood a little East of the 
late deaf and dumb Thomas AspinwalTs. 

12. Major Edward While owned another house, a little East of the house last 
mentioned, near the site of the widow Thomas White's 

13. John Ellis, who died, 2G December, 177U, aged 80. The house was 
built by James (joddard for a private house. It was used, as a tavern, before 1740. 
William Whitney, of Weston, owned it ; then Elenser Baker; Eliphalet Spurr 
occupied it, for a while; William Laugliton, in If^Ol ; Franklin Gerry, in 1820; 
Louis lioiitell, in ld2ti; William Jemerson, in Is27. Isaac Thayer bargained for 
it, took down the old patch-work Tavern, 20 iMay, 18:53, and caused to be 
erected nine cottage.s, in the immediate nighborhood. On or near the site of the 
old tavern is the elegant Lyceum Hall, owned by a number of proprietors, built 
in the autumn of 1841. 

14. jYalhanicl Shepard. He was one of the New Lights, so denominated, and 
moved to Needham. The house was then occupied by Daniel Dana. It is now 
owned by the Hon. Peter C. Brooks, and occupied by Anna Dana, daughter 
of Daniel Dana. 

15. Capt. Samuel Croft.* The present house raised, 23 April, 1765. At his 
death, 14 November, 177J, aged 71, it was owned by his son, Capt. Samuel 
Croft, who died, 'J April, 1814, aged 63. It descended by will to the Croft 
family, and is now ovvne<l by John Kenrick. 

16. Major Kdward While, who died, 29 May, 1769, aged 7G- It has since 
been owned by Capt. Timotliy Corey, and his son Dea. Elijah Corey. It is now 
the property of James Barllutl. 

17. Isaac Winchester, who died, 15 February, 1771 , aged 57. It was then 
owned by Capt. Timothy Corey, who died, 19 September, 181 1, aged 69. A 
stone house, near the site of this, was recently built by Dea. Timothy Corey, 
who died, 10 August, 1844, aged 62. 

18. Rev. Jame.s Allen, first minister of Brookline, who died, 18 February, 
1747, aged 56. The house, which he inhabited, has been down, for more than 
half a century. But d(!.'icendanls of the rose bushes, which he set out, about 
171H, are now living and flourishing. 

19. Rev James Allen owned an old house, which stood on land now occupied 
by Jesse Bird, as a garden. It was occupied by Peter Hammond . A part ot 
the frame was used in building the house, now owned and occupied by Jesse Bird, 
which was raised for the second minister of Brookline, about 1750, the Rev. Cot- 
ton Brown, who died, 13 April, 1751, aged 25. He was brother of the Hon. 
Peter C. Brooks's mother, and of the last wife of Daniel Dana. 

The House of Joshua Gardner, before mentioned, stood a littte East of the par 
sonage house of the fir.-t parish. The house, built in its place, was owned by Ca- 
leb Gardner, Jr., from wiiom the land was obtained, on which the first meeting 
house was erected. 

* The name has been spelt three different ways. Croft, Crafl, and Crafts, 
by blood relations. 



47 

20. Dea. Samuel Clark died, 7 May, i7GG, aged SI. His son Samuel died, 

Sreviously, on 18 July, 1760, aged 39. His son Dea. Samuel Clark died, 2iJ 
larch, 1814, aged 61. The house now standing is owned by Caleb Clark, 
great-grandson of the first owner of the place. 

Back of the present house stood one, used as a garrison-house against the 
Indians. 

21. .Yathanlel Gardner's house was burned, 14 April, 1740, who rebuilt the 
present house, the same year Few places, in Brooklinc, have had so many 
owners as this. After the death of Nathaniel Gardner, it was owned by Dea. 
Benjamin White ; then by Jeremiah Gridley,Esq. ; then by Henry Hulton, Esq. 
Mandamus Counsellor, who forfeited it to the Government, as a Refugee ; it 
was then owned by a Captain Cooke; then by Joiin Lucas; then by Capt. 
Knight; then Wm. Ilysl{)|); then by his son, David Hyslop ; then by John 
Carries, who sold the land for the present Meeting-house of the First Cliurch, 
dedicated, 11 June, 1806; tlien by widow Elisabeth Partridge; now by Thomas 
W. Sumner, Esq. 

22. Solomon Gardner. The house was built by his father, Dea. Thos Gardner, 
about 1718 ; tiien owned by his son Solomon Gardner; next by Caleb Gardner, 
also son of Thomas Gardner ; next by anotiier son, Benjamin Gardner. Benja- 
min Gardner was the father of Dea. Elisha Gardner, the next owner, who died, 
29 January, 1797. aged 70. He sold the place to John Goddard, from whom it 
was purchased by his son Benjamin Goddard, Esq., the present owner. 

23. Dr. Zabdicl Boijiston bought it of iiis brother Peter, 26 March, 1737, for 
£3,100, old tenor, and "built the present jiouse, about 1736. Peter Boylston was 
the father of the first President John Adams"s mother, Susanna, born, on that 
spot, 5 March, 1709, and married to John Adams, of Braintree, now Q,uincy, 23 
November, 1734. 

William Hyslop bought the place of Dr. Boylston's heirs. It is now owned 
by the heirs of his son, David Hyslop, who died, 16 August, 1822, aged 67. His 
father died, 11 August, 1796, aged 8.5. 

24. Nathaniel Seaver. His father John married a Gardner, by whom he 
probably inherited the place. Nathaniel built the present house, about 1742. It 
was then owned by his son Nathaniel ; next by John Deane ; next by John 
Lucas, who died, 11 September, 1812, aged 74 ; then by Samuel Hammond, by 
whose heirs it is now owned. He died, 4 November, 1838, aged 71. 

25. William Ackers, who died, 9 October, 1794, aged 76. John Ackers, his 
father, built the first house there. His son William built the present house, 
which was raised, 1 August, 1744. His son William was the next owner, to 
whose heirs it now belongs, who died, 14 July, 1841, aged 76. 

26. Isaac Gardner, who died, 11 March, 1767, aged 83. The next owner 
was his son, Isaac Gardner, whose house was burnt, 2 September, 1768, and who 
was slain in Lexington battle, 19 April, 1775, aged 49. His son. Gen. Isaac 
Sparhawk Gardner was the next owner, who died, 6 December, 1818, aged 60. 
It was then owned by Elisha Penniman, who died, 5 November, 1831, aged 54. 
It is now the property of Capt. Daniel Sanderson. 

A house formerly stood, a little south of this house, on the same side of the 
way, owned by Addington Gardner, son of Caleb Gardner, Jr. He married a sis- 
ter of the Rev. James Allen, and removed to Sherburne. 

27. John Seaver, who died, 21 October, 1767, aged 66, occupied a house, long 
since demolished, not far from the present Joseph White's house. 

28. Samuel White, Esq. died, 9 April, 1760, aged 76. Samuel Sewall, Esq., 
his grandson, inherited it ; but being a Refugee, his estate was forfeited to the 
Government, and sold to John Heath, who died, 27 April, 1804, aged 72. It was 
next owned by his son Ebenezer Heath, who died, 26 February, 1844, aged 80. 
His son Charles demolished the old house, 11 September, 1838, and raised his 
present house, on 1 October of the same year 

A house formerly stood a little East of the present mansion, on the same side 
of the way, owned by Joseph White, father of Samuel White, Esq., and son of 
John White, who came, the first of the name, to this Town, from Watertown, 
and lived at the lower part of the Town, near the residence of widow Thomas 
White. Joseph White was one of the founders of the First Chuicli, in Brook- 
line. 



48 

29. Joseph Wliite. Joseph Gardner formerly owned it. Deacon Joseph White, 
the next occupant, died of natural small pox, 19 August, 1777, aged 75. His son 
Samuel next owned it ; next his cousin, Moses White, who moved to Windsor, 
Vermont ; Jonathan Jackso.i was the next owner, who died, 30 September, 
1822, aged 73. General Simon Eliot built the present house, and first inhabited 
it, 10 September, lf?24. He died, 2 Janu.iry, 1832, aged 70. It was next owned 
by Simon Eliot Greene, in whose family it still remains. 

30. Dea. Benjamin While; then his son Moses; then his son Moses, at one 
time an owner of the last metioned house ; Hon. Jonathan Mason purchased it, 
about 1792, who died, 2 November, 1831, aged 7o. Benjamin Guild, Esq. pur- 
chaseJ and moved into it, o June, 1822. It was next sold to Hon. Theodore 
Lyman, former Mayor of Boston, vvho took possession, June, 1841, soon took 
down the old house, and erected a very splendid edifice in its place. 

31. Benjamin While, who died, 1!> October, 1777, aged 70. It was formerly 
owned by I'eter Gardner, who married a sister of Joshua Bovlston's mother. 

Benjamin W^hite, son of Benjamin, was the next owner, who demolished the 
old house, and erected the present mansion, some rods west of the former, about 
1790. He died, 20 March, 1814, aged 71. 

The estate, as yet undivided, was next occupied by Benjamin White, son of 
the last mentioned, wlio died, 7 July, lf'39, aged 55. 

32. Joseph Adams. Benjamin Wliite bought it, and pulled it down, about 
half a mile South-w-est of his residence. 

33. iS'athaniel Stedinan. Benjamin White bought this, and pulled it down, 
a little farther West, on the opposite side of the road. 

34. Ebenezer Sai-gctint. He bought it of Nathaniel, brother of Thomas Sted- 
tnan. Dea. Elhanan Winchester, father of the preacher, next bought it, and sold 
it to Benjamin Wliite, the owner of three estates aforementioned. 

35. Capt. Benjamin Gardner, son of Dea. Thomas Gardner, built this houss, 
and died, 13 September, 17G2, aged 64. 

His son Samuel was the next owner, who died, 22 November, 1771, aged 43. 
Hi.> son, Caleb Gardner, next owner, died, 17 November, 1807, aged 52. 
Ebenezer Richards purchased the place of the heirs, and soon sold it to John 
Hunt, who sold it to John Clark, llie present proprietor. 

36. Joshua Sledman. Tlis house, best known as Richards's hotel, w'as built 
by Dea. Elhanan Winchester, assisted by the New-lights so called, on condition, 
that they might have the use of a room in it for their worship. 

Capt. Benjamin Gardner bouglit this place of a .Mr. Calef, of Boston, before 
it was occupied by Dea. Winclitster Ebenezer White next owned it; then Jo- 
seph While ; Ehene/.tir Rifliards bought it of Joseph White ; it was then sold to 
Henry Pettes, of Boston, who, after greatly improving it, moved into it, 21 May, 
1838; it was then sold to Mark W. Sheafe, of Portsmonth, N, H., vvho moved 
into if, in 1840. 

37. Ebenezer Kenrick, a New-light, vvho left Brookline church, in Mr. Al- 
len's day. 

Jonathan Hammond built the present house. 

It has, lor scve-al \ears tieen owned by Mrs. Jane Coaflbrd, a French Lady. 

3^*. Nathaniel Hill, an African. 

Deacon Ebenezer Craft, of Roxbiiry, bought it. 

The Rev Jonathan Hyde, of Caiitcrrbury, Conn,, purchased the place, and 
built a house, in 1751. He died, 4 June, I7r'7, aged 78. 

His son Thaddeiis Hyde next owned il, who died, 25 July, 1808, aged 69. 

Arba Hyde, the son of Thaddeus, next owned it. He died, 4 November, 1841, 
aged 58. 

It was pulled down by order of the Selectmen, 11 October, 1841. 

39. Julin Drucc built this house, probably the latter part of the 17th century, 
or beginning of the t-th 

It was next owed bv his son, Obadiah Driice, who died, 3 December, 1765. 

Dea. Ebenezdr Craft, of Roxbury, bought it, who oied, 1 September, 1791, 
aged 86. 

It was then owned by his son, Caleb Craft, who died, 8 January, 1826, aged 
84 ; next by his son Samuel Craft, who sold it to Thomas Woodward, the pres- 
ent owner. 



49 

40. Abraham Chamberlain. Ilis heirs sold it in sliares to Jolm Harris and 
Daniel Dana. Caleb (^raft bought it, except ten acres, including the house, 
which was purchased by Thaddeus JacUson. 

Joshua Woodward, uncle oi' Thaddeus Jackson's wife, built the present 
house, who died, 21 November, 1776, aged 46. 

Thaddeus Jackson, the next occupant, died, 12 October, 1832, aged SO. 
Phinehas Goodiiough is the present owner. 

41. Abraham Woodward built it. His sons Caleb and Joshua next owned 
it. Abraham Jackson, wiio married Caleb's widow, next occupied it, and died, 
1-5 January, 1807, aged 85. His son Tliaddeus bought it, and built the present 
house for his son Thaddeus, who first inhabited it, in the spring of 1S20. 
Thaddeus Jackson, Jr. died, 12 July, 1824, aged 42. 

Phinehas Goodnough now owns and occupies it. 

42. Hugh Scott lured it of Samuel Wiiite, Esq. It was next owned by Ca- 
leb Craft, and by him pulled down. It stood a few rods this side ot Caleb Craft, 
Jr.'s house. 

43. James Griggs. His son George next occupied it. Dea. Ebenezer Craft 
bought the place. Thomas Kenrick built a liouse on it, and died, 8 February, 
1774, aged 33. Jacob Hervey married his widow, and died, 22 June, JS12, aged 
63. The house, which stood a few rods south of Caleb Craft Jr.'s was then 
pulled down ; and the land belongs to the Craft family. 

44. William Das'is died, 20 February, 1777, aged 66. His son William tlien 
occupied it ; and it was soon divided and sold. It was owned successively by 

Joseph Smith, William Rogers, Maccarty, Thomas Williams, Esq , 

Elisha Whitney, and Asa Whitney, who died, o March, 1826, aged 44. The 
liouse, however, which stood a few rods V\'est of tlie South-west school-house, 
on the opposite side of the way, was demolished, in 1809. 

45. John Harris. The house was given to him by Robert Harris, a distant 
relation. John Harris built the present house and died, 5 JN'ovember, 1788, 
aged 72. His son John, the next owner, died, 8 December, 1831, aged 81. 

Now owned by Willard A. Humphrey. 

46. Isaac Child died, 10 September, 1765, aged 77. His son Isaac was the 
next owner; it was then owned by a Mr. Borland; then by Elisha Whitney; 
next by his son, Maj. Asa Whitney. It is now owned by Samuel Hills. 

47. Joshua Child, brother of Isaac, inherited it of his father. He was great- 
grandfather of Dea. Joshua Child Clark, after whom he was named. The next 
owner was Daniel Dana, then Eenjamin White, then Thomas White, Amasa 
Ellis, Benjamin Weld, John Peirce, Samuel H. Walley, Thomas Tilden. The 
last owner Eunice James. 

48. Timothy Harris bought if of Joseph Scott. It was inherited by the wife 
of the late Elijah Child, and pulled down in 1805. Timothy Harris's widow 
built the house, now inhabited by Timothy Harris Child. 

49. Timothy Harris. His son John was the next owner. See 45. The 
last John Harris built the present house, in 1601. It is now the property of Al- 
van Loker. 

50. Daniel Harris built the house. His son Daniel next owned it, and sold it 
to John Harris, Sen. See 45. The house was longsince demolished. 

51. Samuel Newell. His son John next owned it; then Gulliver Winches- 
ter; then Robert Holt, who began the house, several rods East of the old man- 
sion. This house was completed by Dr. Wm. Spooner, of Boston, who inhabited 
it, during several summer seasons, and died in Boston, 15 February, 1836, aged 
76. It was then purchased by Curtis Travis, a butcher, in 1625, who moved 
away, and died. It is now said to be owned by John Welch, of Boston. 

52. Andrew Allard. William Woodward, brother of Tiiomas and John, and 
son of Thomas, built the house. It was last inhabited by an old countryman, 
by the name of Vaughan, who died, at a very advanced age, 27 February, 1775, 
and the house has been, many years, demolisiied. Samuel Cabot, Esq. is 
building a house for his tenant, a little East of this place. 

53. John Woochcard built it. He died, 15 February, 1770, aged 74. His son 
Thomas next owned it; then Dea. Joseph White; John Corey, who died, 6 Oc- 
tober, 1803, aged 44 ; Erastus Champiiey ; John Dunn ; George Goldsmith, the 
present owner. 

7 



50 

54. Cliristoplier Dyer biiilt tlie house on land given him bj' Samuel White, 
Esq. Hi»f son, William Dyer then owned it ; afterwards Josepii Woodward, 
John Deane, John Lucas. Col. Thomas H. Perkins built a house near the site of 
this, in l^'O'.t, for his tenant. 

55. Thomas Woodward built the house, which stood near the mansion of 
William Applelon, Esq. His son Thomas then owned it ; next, Dea. Joseph 
White. It was at length owned by Ebenezer Richards, who sold it to Hon. Ste- 
phen Higginson, who erected the mansion, now owned by Dr. John C. Warren, 
in 1800. He died, in Boston, '22 November, 18:28, aged 8.'>. 

56. A'ehemiak Daris built the present house, about 1732, and died, 5 January, 
1785, aged 78. 

It was ne.vt owned by Captain Joseph Williams; H. Child; Hon. George 
Cabot, who died, in Boston, 18 April, 1823, aged 71 ; next by Stephen Higginson, 
Jr., who died, in Cambridge, 2U February, 1834, aged G3 ; next by Capt. Adam 
BabcocK", who died, in this house, 24 September, 1817, aged 77. Samuel God- 
dard is the present proprietor. 

Jo.siah Winchester, grandfather of the famous Elhanan Winchester, Rcstora- 
tionist, formerly inhabited an old house, which stood near the present John 
Warren's. 

57. John Goddard. The place was first owned by Dorman Alarean ; then 
by William Rlnrcan. 

Joseph Goddard, the first of the family, who owned the place, died, 25 July, 
1728, aged 73. 

His son, John Goddard, settled on the patrimonial state, where he lived, till 
1745, when he moved to Worcester, leaving his son John on the place, and died 
there, 26 June 1785, aged 86. 

John Goddard, of the third generation, built the present house, and moved to 
No. 22, where he died, 13 April, 1816, aged 86. 

His son, Samuel Goddard, next occupied the family mansion, where he died, 
25 August, 1786, aged 2!>. 

Capt. Joseph Goddard, the brother of Samuel, next inhabited it, till he built a 
new house, in the immediate neighborhood, into which he removed. 

His son, Abijah Warren Goddard, is of the fifth generation, vvlio have lived on 
the estate of his fathers. 

58. Henry Winchester. His son, Joseph Winchester, next owner, died, 28 
February, 1781, aged 72. 

His pon, Nathaniel Winchester, died, 27 December, 1808, aged 60. Old house 
taken down, 12 December, 1826. 

Capt. Isaac Cook's cottage stands near the site of the old house. First inhab- 
ted, ft June, 1827. 

This place was formerly owned by Col. Joseph Biickminster. See No. 5. 

His house stood on the opposite side of the road, to where Capt. Cook's cot- 
tage stands. 

59. Elhanan Winchester, grandfather of the preacher of tlic same name 
built the house. 

His son, Elhanan, commonly known as Dea. Winchester, next owned it. He 
died at Harvard, 10 September, 1810, aged iH . 

Of him it was purchased by John Soaver Jr , who died, 21 October, 1761, 
aged 66. 

The property went through the changes mentioned under No. 21, till David 
Hyslop sold a portion of it to Nathanic;! Murdock, who built a house, near the 
site of the Winrliesfer house, into which he removed, 8 April, 1800, and died, 1 
May, 1837, aged 6;t. 

60. Josiih Winrlipster, Jr. built a house South of the present Dea. Joshua C. 
Clark's. His son Caleb next iniiabited it ; then John Soaver. Nehemiah Davis 
purchased it, and pulliMl it down. 

61. Dudley Boylsi.in purchased the house, formerly built by a Mr. Shepard. 
His son JiishuaBoylston, next owned it. He died, J November, 1804, aged 

79. 

Dea. Joshua C. Clark, who married the only dausiliter, took down the old 
house, in IdO'.J, and moved into the present house, 31 May, 1810. 



51 



XXXIV, p. 25. 

David Hijslop. 
John Lucas. 
John Lucas. 
William Ackers. 
Isaac S. Gardner^ Esq. 
Ebenezer Heath. 
John Heath. *t 
Jonathan Jackson .*t 
Hon. Jonathan Mason. *t 
Hon. Jonathan Mason. *t 
Benjamin White.* 
Benjamin White. 
Benjamin White. 
Caleb Gardner. 
Ebenezer Richards. 
Jonathan Hammond. 
Thaddeus Hyde.* 
Ebenezer Webb. 
Caleb Craft. 
Thaddeus Jachson. 
Abraham Jackson.*t 
Caleb Craft *t 
Jacob Hervey.* 
Elisha Wiiitney.* 
John Harris. 
Elisha Whitney. 
Heirs of Thomas White. 
Elijah Child.* 
Widozo Elisabeth Harris. 
Dr. William Spooncr. 
John Corey. 
Joseph Goddard. 
Nathaniel Winchester.*! 
Hon. George Cabot. 
Hon. George Cabot. 
Joshua Boylston.*t 

The names in italics represent the houses now standing. The houses with 
an asterisk (^) are demolished. Those with an obelisk annexed (*t) have oth- 
ers erected on or near the site of former houses. 

XXXV. p. 26. 

"Foferf, that this Town agree to assemble at the meeting- house, at 11 o'clock, 
A. M. on Saturday, 22 February, 1800, to testify their respect for the memory of 
the late General George Washington ; and that the Selectmen be a committee 
to wait on the Rev. John Pierce, and desire him to lead in the ceremonies by 
prayer, and some appropriate Discourse ; and that the committee be requested to 
provide suitable badges of mourning for the occasion. 

Also, that the Rev. John Pierce, Col. Isaac S. Gardner, and Mr. Isaac Allen 
be a committee to select suitable anthems, psalms, or hymns, to be sung on the 
occasion. — [Town Records.] 

XXXVI. p. 26. 

In his Journal, Judge Samuel Sewall writes, under d: te of 24 April, 1704, 
"I gave the Vice President, at Cambridge," meaning the Rev Samuel Willard, 
of the Old South Church, Boston, who officiated, as President at Cambridge, " the 
first News-Letter, that ever was carried over the river.* This was, it is believed, 
the first nevvspaper,published in North America. 

* Meaning Charles-river. 



1. 


Joshua Griggs. 


37. 


2. 


William. Marshall. 


38. 


3. 


Samuel Griggs. *t 


39. 


4. 


Edicard K. Wolcott. 


40. 


5. 
6. 


Col. Thomas .Bspinicall. 
Edicard K. Wolcott. 


41. 
42. 


7. 
8. 
9. 


Robert Sharp. 

Stephen Sharp. 

Dr. Win. Aspinicall. 


43. 
44. 
45. 


10. 


Dr. Wm. .^.ipinipall. 


46. 


11. 


Dr. Wm. Aspinwall.* 


47. 


12. 


Ebenezer Davis. 


48. 


13. 


Benjamin Davis. 


49. 


14. 


John Howe. 


50. 


15. 


Josiah Jordan. 


51. 


16. 


Thomas While. 


52. 


17. 


Thomas White. 


53. 


18. 


Thomas White. 


54. 


19. 


Eleazer Baker. *t 


55. 


20. 


Jonathan Dana.*t 


56. 


21. 


James Holden. 


57. 


22. 


Capt. Cobb.*t 


58. 


23. 


Daniel Dana. 


59. 


24. 
25. 


Ziphion Thayer. 
Jonas Tolman. 


60. 
61. 


26. 
27. 

28. 


Capt. Samuel Croft. 
Capt. Samuel Croft. 
John Robinson. 


62. 
63. 
64. 


29. 


Enos Withington. 


65. 


30. 


Heirs Btnj. White, Esq. 


66. 


31. 


Capt. Timothy Corey *t 


67. 


32 


Edirard K. Wolcott. 


68. 


33. 


Samuel Clark. 


69. 


84. 


Parsonage of First Parish. 


70. 


335 
6. 


David Hyslop. 
John Goddard. 


71. 
72. 



52 

XXXVII. p. 26. 

Mr. Higginson erected a commodious dwelling, surrounded by forest trees, 
the natural growth of the soil. It commands a very beautiful prospect of the 
city, of the harbor, and some of its various islands. It is now owned by Dr. 
John C Warren, of Boston, who has done much to enlarge and beautify the 
place. A part of the estate, owned by Mr. Higginson, has been sold to Wm. 
Appieton, Esq., who Iins built, for a summer residence, an elegant house. 

But it would be an endless task to enumerate the great improvements, which 
have been made by gentlemen, who have moved into this town, in quick succes- 
sion, since the commencement of the present century. 

It is to be wished, that some person, fitted for the task, would prepare a sta- 
tistical account of this charming little Town, its rapidly increasing population, 
its elegant, and, in some instances, princely mansions, its agricultural and hor- 
ticultural improvements, unparalleled, it is believed, for the size of the place, in 
the United States. 

XXXVIII. p. 29. 

Samuel A. Walker, Esq., who has taken a leading part in this last Tem- 
perance movement, gives me the following account. 

" The Brookliue Washington Total Abstinence Society was formed, 4 April, 
1842. S. A. Walker was chosen President. 

The first public lecture before the society was delivered by the President. 
The Hall was thronged. At the conclusion of the address, 171 signed the 
pledge ; and from tlie formation of the society to the present time, the cause 
has prospered beyond the most sanguine expectations of its friends. At the 
formation of the new society, the old society numbered 4:52 members; and, at 
its annual meeting, 10 January, 1843, it was voted to unite with the Washing- 
ton Total Abstinence Society, the better to carry forward the glorious cause. 

At the annual meeting, Q-o February, 1843, the report was of the most pleas- 
ing character. Within 3 years, 5!)4 had signed the pledge, and with the 432 
members of the old society, it presented the grand total of 102G, pledged to 
Total Abstinence, in the Town of Brookline. 

The loss from breaking the pledge has been less, than J per cent., while the 
most favorable estimate from any Town in the State, gives a loss of at least 2^ 
per cent." 



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